counsel

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The exchange of opinions and advice especially in legal issues; consultation.

   “Bleſſed is that man that hath not walked in the counſaile of the vngodly: nor ſtand in the waye of ſynners, and hath not ſit in the ſeate of ſkornefull.”

   “All the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, to put him to death.”

2. (countable, uncountable)Exercise of judgment; prudence.

   “They all confess, therefore, in the working of that first cause, that counsel is used.”

3. (countable, uncountable)Advice; guidance.

   “I like thy counsel; well hast thou advised.”

   “This Book will make a Travailer of thee, / If by its Counſel thou wilt ruled be; / It will direct thee to the Holy Land, / If thou wilt its Directions understand: / Yea, it will make the ſloathful, active be; / The Blind alſo, delightful things to ſee.”

   “It was ill counsel had misled the girl.”

   “Further, he suggested strategies and gave counsel to his superiors at Soochow and Ch'ang-chou. (The Governor-General resided temporarily in Ch'ang-chou after the Taiping capture of Nanking in 1853.)”

4. (countable, uncountable)Deliberate purpose; design; intent; scheme; plan.

   “The counsel of the Lord standeth forever.”

   “The counsels of the wicked are deceit.”

5. (countable, uncountable)A lawyer, as in King's Counsel (KC) or Queen's Counsel (QC).

verb

1. (transitive)To give advice, especially professional advice, to (somebody).

   “The lawyer counselled his client to remain silent.”

   “Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals counsel clients.”

2. (transitive)To recommend (a course of action).

   “I would counsel prudence in this matter.”

   “He counseled his daughter to resist the lure of hatred and bitterness.”