释义 |
counsel I. \ˈkau̇n(t)səl also ˈkän-\ noun (-s ; see sense 6a) Etymology: Middle English counseil, conseil, from Old French conseil, from Latin consilium, from com- + -silium (perhaps akin to Greek helein to take) — more at sell 1. a. : instruction or recommendation especially when given as a result of consultation : opinion, advice, direction < his own more wary followers took heed to his counsel — W.H.Prescott > b. : a policy or plan of action or behavior < observe the sixth commandment, not as a precept of divine law but as a counsel of profitable prudence — W.L.Sullivan > 2. : interchange of opinion especially on possible procedure : discussion, deliberation, consultation 3. obsolete : faculty or exercise of deliberate judgment : prudence, thoughtfulness 4. archaic : a plan arrived at through deliberation : intention, purpose < the counsel of the Lord stands forever — Ps 33:11 (Revised Standard Version) > 5. a. archaic : secret purpose or opinion : private confidence : secret < did you ne'er hear say, two may keep counsel, putting one away — Shakespeare > b. : reflection, thought, intent, or plan discreetly and carefully guarded from being known — used in the phrase keep one's own counsel < chary and given to keeping his own counsel > 6. : adviser: a. plural counsel (1) : a lawyer engaged in the trial or management of a cause in court : barrister < his counsel is able > < the arguments of counsel > < to have the assistance of counsel for his defense — U.S. Constitution > < if counsel are familiar with the rules of this court > < counsel for Johnson argued brilliantly in behalf of their client — Marshall Smelser & H.W.Kirwin > (2) : a lawyer appointed or engaged to advise and represent a particular client, public officer, or public body in legal matters (as before a government agency) — called also legal counsel b. : consultant 2 II. verb (counseled or counselled ; counseled or counselled ; counseling \-s(ə)liŋ\ ; or counselling ; counsels) Etymology: Middle English counseillen, conseillen, from Old French cunseiller, conseiller, from Latin consiliari, from consilium transitive verb 1. : to advise especially seriously and formally after consultation < counseled them to avoid rash actions — George Orwell > especially : to advise (students) on personal or vocational problems 2. : to recommend especially as the best or most expedient act, course, or policy < counsel great caution > < he wrote to his father counseling further delay — T.E.Lawrence > intransitive verb : consult, deliberate < counseling about the problem > |