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council

n.
US //ˈkaʊnsəɫ// UK //kˈaʊnsəl// coun·cil
  1. 1 an advisory group (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a group of people who meet to discuss specific topics or give expert advice.

    an appointed or elected body of people organized to provide consultation, deliberation, or policy recommendations.

    Example

    The school council met to discuss new rules for the playground.

    Example

    The research council provides strategic oversight for scientific funding across the various university departments.
  2. 2 church assembly (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Religion

    a formal meeting of church leaders to decide on religious rules or beliefs.

    an ecclesiastical assembly of bishops and other leaders convened to settle matters of doctrine or discipline.

    Example

    The historic council changed several important traditions in the church.

    Example

    The Second Vatican Council introduced significant reforms intended to modernize the relationship between the Church and the contemporary world.
Origin

From Middle English counseil, conseil, from late Old English cuncile, from Anglo-Norman cuncile and Old French concile, from Latin concilium. Doublet of concelho.

Word family

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