(in Germany and formerly in West Germany) the council of state ministers with certain legislative and administrative powers, representing the state governments at federal level
2.
(in Austria) an assembly with some legislative power that represents state interests at the federal level
3.
(in Switzerland) the executive council of the confederation
4.
(in the German empire from 1871–1918) the council representing the governments of the constituent states, with administrative, judicial, and legislative powers
Word origin
C19: German, from Bund federation + Rat council
Bundesrat in American English
(ˈbʊndəsˌrɑt) or ˈBundesˌrath (ˈbʊndəsˌrɑt)
noun
1.
a legislative chamber in Germany or Austria that is a federal council acting primarily in an advisory capacity