Council of State

( French Hist.) A political and judicial body of very indefinite powers in the French monarchy, both before and since the Revolution. As reorganized by Napoleon I., it became the most important body in the state. It now, under the second empire, consists of members of the imperial family, nominated by the crown; a president, vice-president; presidents of sections (which are 6: justice, contentions, home affairs, public works, war, finance); 40 to 50 ordinary, and nearly 40 extraordinary councillors. Its principal duty is to prepare laws, which are afterwards submitted to the chamber of deputies. Coun'over, in Iowa , a post-office of Winneshiek co. Coun's el, n. [Fr. conseil; Lat. cons ilium , from consulo , to consult. See CONSUL.] A considering together; deliberation; advice; consultation; interchange of opinions. "The best counsel he could give him was, to go to his parlia ment." Lord Clarendon. -Deliberation; consideration; examination of consequences. "Counsel is used, reason followed, and a way observed." Hooker. -Design; plan; purpose; intent; as, moderate counsels . "The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever." - Psa . xxxiii. 11. -Opinion; advice; instruction. "There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel , against the Lord." - Prov . xxi. 30. (Law.) The counsellors who are a ociated in the management of a particular cause, or who act as legal advisers in reference to any matter requiring legal knowledge and judgment. The term is also used as a singular noun, to designate a counsellor; but, when speaking of one of several counsellors concerned in the management of a cause in court, it is more common to say that he is "of counsel." - Bouvier . To keep one's own counsel. To hold opinions or ideas in a self-reserved state; not to disclose one's thoughts. v. a. To give counsel or advice, or deliberate opinion to; to exhort, warn, admonish, or instruct. "Wouldst thou then counsel ne to fall in love?"-Shaks. -To advise, urge, or recommend; as, to counsel war "His counsell'd crime which brands the Grecian name." Dryden. Counsel-keeper, n. One who is able to keep a secret. Coun's el-keeping, a . Keeping secret within the -At, or against, the face; in contradistinction to behind mind.