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Where does the word "counsel" come from? It comes from Latin consilium, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
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Where does the word "counsel" come from? It comes from Latin consilium, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
Counsel’s story begins in Latin: consilium meant “advice, deliberation.” Related to 'consulere', to consult. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as conseil. Also used for a body of advisers, now spelled 'council'. It reached English by 1200s as counsel. A lawyer is still called 'counsel' in court. Today, counsel means advice; a lawyer conducting a case.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient consilium "advice, deliberation", related to 'consulere', to consult.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval conseil "advice", also used for a body of advisers, now spelled 'council'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1200s counsel "advice", a lawyer is still called 'counsel' in court.