The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Counsel \Coun"sel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Counseled (-s[e^]ld)
   or Counselled; p. pr. & vb. n. Counseling or
   Counselling.] [OE. conseilen, counseilen, F. conseiller,
   fr. L. consiliari, fr. consilium counsel.]
   1. To give advice to; to advice, admonish, or instruct, as a
      person.
      [1913 Webster]

            Good sir, I do in friendship counsel you
            To leave this place.                  --Shak.
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   2. To advise or recommend, as an act or course.
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            They who counsel war.                 --Milton.
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            Thus Belial, with words clothed in reason's garb,
            Counseled ignoble ease and peaceful sloth. --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

counselling
    n 1: something that provides direction or advice as to a
         decision or course of action [syn: guidance, counsel,
         counseling, counselling, direction]