consul

Con"sul, n. Etym: [L., prob. fr. consulere to deliberate. See Consult.] 1. (Rom. Antiq.) Defn: One of the two chief magistrates of the republic. Note: They were chosen annually, originally from the patricians only, but later from the plebeians also. 2. A senator; a counselor. [Obs.] Many of the consuls, raised and met, Are at the duke's already. Shak. With kings and consuls of the earth. Job. iii. 14 (Douay Ver. ) 3. (Fr. Hist.) Defn: One of the three chief magistrates of France from 1799 to 1804, who were called, respectively, first, second, and third consul. 4. An official comissioned to reside in some foreign country, to care for the commercial interests of the citizens of the appointing government, and to protect its seamen. Consul general, a consul of the first rank, stationed in an important place, or having jurisdiction in several places or over several consula. -- Vice consul, a consular officer holding the place of a consul during the consul's absence or after he has been relieved.

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