\Bun"des*rath`\ (b[oo^]n"d[e^]s*r[aum]t`), n. [G.,
from bund (akin to E. bond) confederacy + rath council, prob.
akin to E. read.]
The federal council of the German Empire. In the Bundesrath
and the Reichstag are vested the legislative functions. The
federal council of Switzerland is also so called.
Note: The Bundesrath of the German empire is presided over by
      a chancellor, and is composed of sixty-two members, who
      represent the different states of the empire, being
      appointed for each session by their respective
      governments.
            By this united congress, the highest tribunal of
            Switzerland, -- the Bundesrath -- is chosen, and
            the head of this is a president.   --J. P. Peters
                                               (Trans.
                                               M["u]ller's
                                               Pol. Hist.).

\Bun"des*rath`\, n. [G.; bund confederacy + rath
council.]
Lit., a federal council, esp. of the German Empire. See
{Legislature}.