Counsel — Defs

01 n. Interchange of opinions; mutual advising; consultation.

1.
Interchange of opinions; mutual advising; consultation.
“All the chief priest and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, to put him to death.” — Matt. xxvii. 1.
2.
Examination of consequences; exercise of deliberate judgment; prudence.
“They all confess, therefore, in the working of that first cause, that counsel is used.” — Hooker.
3.
Result of consultation; advice; instruction.
“I like thy counsel; well hast thou advised.” — Shak.

“It was ill counsel had misled the girl.” — Tennyson.
4.
Deliberate purpose; design; intent; scheme; plan.
“The counsel of the Lord standeth forever.” — Ps. xxxiii. 11.

“The counsels of the wicked are deceit.” — Prov. xii. 5.
5.
A secret opinion or purpose; a private matter.
“Thilke lord . . . to whom no counsel may be hid.” — Gower.
6.
One who gives advice, especially in legal matters; one professionally engaged in the trial or management of a cause in court; also, collectively, the legal advocates united in the management of a case; as, the defendant has able counsel.
“The King found his counsel as refractory as his judges.” — Macaulay.

“The players can not keep counsel: they 'll tell all.” — Shak.

Phrases & compounds

In counsel — in secret.

To keep counsel — to keep one's thoughts, purposes, etc., undisclosed.

02 v. t. To give advice to; to advice, admonish, or instruct, as a person.

imp. & p. p. Counseled; p. pr. & vb. n. Counseling

1.
To give advice to; to advice, admonish, or instruct, as a person.
“Good sir, I do in friendship counsel you To leave this place.” — Shak.
2.
To advise or recommend, as an act or course.
“They who counsel war.” — Milton.

“Thus Belial, with words clothed in reason's garb, Counseled ignoble ease and peaceful sloth.” — Milton.