̈ɪˈkaunsəl n. & v. --n. 1
advice,
esp. formally
given. 2
consultation, esp. to
seek or
give advice. 3 (pl. same) a
barrister or
other legal adviser; a
body of
these advising in a case. 4 a
plan of
action. --v.tr. (counselled,
counselling; US counseled, counseling) 1 (often foll. by to + infin.)
advise (a person). 2 a give advice to (a person) on
social or
personal problems, esp. professionally. b
assist or
guide (a person) in resolving personal difficulties. 3 (often foll. by that)
recommend (a
course of action). øcounsel of
despair action to be taken
when all else fails. counsel of
perfection 1 advice
that is
ideal but
not feasible. 2 advice guiding
towards moral perfection.
keep one's
own counsel not
confide in others. Queen's (or King's) Counsel
Brit. a counsel to
the Crown,
taking precedence over other barristers.
take counsel (usu. foll. by with)
consult. [ME f. OF c(o)unseil, conseiller f. L consilium consultation, advice]
