Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
COUNCIL
I. noun see: low
Date: 12th century
an assembly or meeting for consultation, advice, or discussion, a group elected or appointed as an advisory or legislative body,
3. a usually administrative body, an executive body whose members are equal in power and authority, a governing body of delegates from local units of a federation, deliberation in a council,
5. a federation of or a central body uniting a group of organizations, a local chapter of an organization, club , society ,
II. adjective
Date: 14th century
used for councils especially by or with North American Indians , built, maintained, or operated by a local governing agency