Etymology Map
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Counsel

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means advice; a lawyer conducting a case

Where does the word "counsel" come from? It comes from Latin consilium, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
consilium
Latin · ancient
"advice, deliberation"
related to 'consulere', to consult
2
Stage 2 of 3
conseil
Old French · medieval
"advice"
also used for a body of advisers, now spelled 'council'
3
Stage 3 of 3
counsel
English · 1200s
"advice"
a lawyer is still called 'counsel' in court
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Read the full story

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.