council
n. countablen. a group of people chosen to make decisions or give advice for a city, town, or organization.
n. an advisory, deliberative, or legislative body of people formally constituted and meeting regularly. Often functions as the local administrative authority for a specific geographic area.
The city council voted to build a new park.
The local council is responsible for waste collection and maintaining the public libraries in this district.
After months of public debate, the council reached a consensus on the zoning regulations that would govern the development of the historic waterfront district.
From Middle English counseil, conseil, from late Old English cuncile, from Anglo-Norman cuncile and Old French concile, from Latin concilium. Doublet of concelho.
Often takes a singular verb in American English, but can take a plural verb in British English when referring to the members as individuals.
I asked for legal councilI asked for legal counselLearners often confuse 'council' (a group of people) with 'counsel' (advice or a lawyer).