The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Counsel \Coun"sel\ (koun"s[e^]l), n. [OE. conseil, F. conseil,
   fr. L. consilium, fr. the root of consulere to consult, of
   uncertain origin. Cf. Consult, Consul.]
   1. Interchange of opinions; mutual advising; consultation.
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            All the chief priest and elders of the people took
            counsel against Jesus, to put him to death. --Matt.
                                                  xxvii. 1.
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   2. Examination of consequences; exercise of deliberate
      judgment; prudence.
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            They all confess, therefore, in the working of that
            first cause, that counsel is used.    --Hooker.
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   3. Result of consultation; advice; instruction.
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            I like thy counsel; well hast thou advised. --Shak.
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            It was ill counsel had misled the girl. --Tennyson.
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   4. Deliberate purpose; design; intent; scheme; plan.
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            The counsel of the Lord standeth forever. --Ps.
                                                  xxxiii. 11.
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            The counsels of the wicked are deceit. --Prov. xii.
                                                  5.
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   5. A secret opinion or purpose; a private matter.
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            Thilke lord . . . to whom no counsel may be hid.
                                                  --Gower.
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   6. One who gives advice, especially in legal matters; one
      professionally engaged in the trial or management of a
      cause in court; also, collectively, the legal advocates
      united in the management of a case; as, the defendant has
      able counsel.
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            The King found his counsel as refractory as his
            judges.                               --Macaulay.
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   Note: In some courts a distinction is observed between the
         attorney and the counsel in a cause, the former being
         employed in the management of the more mechanical parts
         of the suit, the latter in attending to the pleadings,
         managing the cause at the trial, and in applying the
         law to the exigencies of the case during the whole
         progress of the suit. In other courts the same person
         can exercise the powers of each. See Attorney.
         --Kent.
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   In counsel, in secret. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

   To keep counsel, or

   To keep one's own counsel, to keep one's thoughts,
      purposes, etc., undisclosed.
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            The players can not keep counsel: they 'll tell all.
                                                  --Shak.

   Syn: Advice; consideration; consultation; purpose; scheme;
        opinion.
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