consul Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a diplomat appointed by a government to protect its commercial interests and help its citizens in a foreign country

WordNet

Con"sul noun
Etymology
L., prob. fr. consulere to deliberate. See Consult.
Definitions
  1. (Rom. Antiq.) One of the two chief magistrates of the republic. ✍ 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.) 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.

Webster 1913