The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Consul \Con"sul\ (k[o^]n"s[u^]l), n. [L., prob. fr. consulere to
   deliberate. See Consult.]
   1. (Rom. Antiq.) One of the two chief magistrates of the
      republic.
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   Note: They were chosen annually, originally from the
         patricians only, but later from the plebeians also.
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   2. A senator; a counselor. [Obs.]
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            Many of the consuls, raised and met,
            Are at the duke's already.            --Shak.
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            With kings and consuls of the earth.  --Job. iii. 14
                                                  (Douay Ver. )
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   3. (Fr. Hist.) One of the three chief magistrates of France
      from 1799 to 1804, who were called, respectively, first,
      second, and third consul.
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   4. An official commissioned to reside in some foreign
      country, to care for the commercial interests of the
      citizens of the appointing government, and to protect its
      seamen.
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   Consul general, a consul of the first rank, stationed in an
      important place, or having jurisdiction in several places
      or over several consuls.

   Vice consul, a consular officer holding the place of a
      consul during the consul's absence or after he has been
      relieved.
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