Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - counsel

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). Phrases and idioms counsel 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. Etymology: ME f. OF c(o)unseil, conseiller f. L consilium consultation, advice