consul

con-sul · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An official appointed by a government to live in a foreign city and protect the government's citizens and interests there.

  2. 2.

    (Historical) Either of the two annually elected chief magistrates in ancient Rome.

Forms

plural: consuls

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    consul general — a senior consul heading a consulate
  • •
    honorary consul — a part-time consul, usually a local citizen

Related words

See also: ambassador, consulate, diplomat
Synonyms: diplomat, envoy, representative

Etymology

From Latin "consul," possibly from "consulere" meaning to take counsel or deliberate.