noun

1. a group of people called together for consultation, discussion, advice, etc.
2. a group of people chosen as an administrative, advisory, or legislative assembly
3. 1. the legislative body of a city or other municipality
   2. Brit. the administrative body of a county, town, city, district, etc.
4. an assembly of church officials to discuss points of doctrine, etc.
5. 1. a body of delegates from local units of a union, confederation, etc.
   2. an organization or society, or one of its levels of governing bodies
6. the discussion or deliberation in a council

Etymology: ME counceil < OFr concile < L concilium, group of people, meeting < com-, together + calere, to call (see clamor); confused in form and meaning in ME with counsel

adjective