c.1290, from O.Fr. dete, from L. debitam "thing owed," neut. pp. of debere "to owe," originally, "keep something away from someone," from de- "away" + habere "to have" (see habit). Restored spelling after c.1400 from M.E. dette. The KJV has detter three times, debter three times, debtor twice and debtour once.

–noun

1.	advice; opinion or instruction given in directing the judgment or conduct of another.

2.	interchange of opinions as to future procedure; consultation; deliberation.

3.	Law. (used with a singular or plural verb) the advocate or advocates engaged in the direction of a cause in court; a legal adviser or counselor: Is counsel for the defense present?

4.	deliberate purpose; plan; design.

5.	Theology. one of the advisory declarations of Christ, considered by some Christians as not universally binding but as given for aid in attaining moral perfection.

6.	Archaic. a private or secret opinion or purpose.

7.	Obsolete. wisdom; prudence.

–verb (used with object)

8.	to give advice to; advise.

9.	to urge the adoption of, as a course of action; recommend (a plan, policy, etc.): He counseled patience during the crisis.

–verb (used without object)

10.	to give counsel or advice.

11.	to get or take counsel or advice.

—Idioms

12.	keep one's own counsel, to conceal one's ideas or opinions; keep silent.

13.	take counsel, to ask for or exchange advice, ideas, or opinions; deliberate; consult.