An assembly for deliberative purposes, esp. one summoned by a king or other leader; a council. rare (in general sense). Obsolete exc. Historical.

sometimes applied to a Witena gemót or assembly of the witan, under the Anglo-Saxon kings; more frequently to the assemblies under the Norman kings…

A body of men chosen or designated as permanent advisers on matters of state, esp. to advise and assist a sovereign or ruler in the administration…

A formal conference or council, esp. an assembly of magnates summoned (usually by a monarch) for the discussion of some matter or matters of general…

A body of advisers appointed by a monarch, head of state, or other leader; the council of a king or ruler in ancient times. Also figurative.

An Islamic council of state; spec. in Turkey, the privy council of the Porte, presided over by the Sultan, or in his absence by the grand vizier.

in the same sense, still used in speaking of France (= Conseil d' État) and other foreign countries.

a council that has the power to legislate; a national, state, or provincial legislature; spec. (in some Commonwealth countries, now esp. Australia…