[koun-suh
l] 
noun, plural -sel for 3, verb, -seled, -sel⋅ing or (especially British) -selled, -sel⋅ling.| 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. |
| 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. |
| 10. | to give counsel or advice. |
| 11. | to get or take counsel or advice. |
| 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. |
keep one's own counsel
Say little or nothing about one's opinions or intentions. For example, Betty is notorious for keeping her own counsel; you never know what she really thinks. This expression employs counsel in the sense of "a secret," a usage dating from about 1300.