Consul
/ˈkɒn.səl/noun
An elected official who represents a state or, historically, one of the two highest magistrates of ancient Rome.
Did you know?The title comes from Latin *consul*, originally tied to the idea of consulting or advising, which is why it shares deep ancestry with words about counsel, not conquest.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kel-
“to call, shout; possibly to cry out for help or summon”
Latin
Latin
consul
“a Roman magistrate with supreme civil authority, especially one of two annually elected officials”
Late Latin
Latin
consul
“an official representative or envoy”
Middle English
English
consul
“a diplomatic representative of a sovereign state in a foreign city”
Modern English
English
consul
“a government official appointed to live in a foreign city and protect the interests of citizens and commerce”