\Con"sul\, n. [L., prob. fr. consulere to deliberate. See
{Consult}.]
1. (Rom. Antiq.) 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.) One of the three chief magistrates of France
   from 1799 to 1804, who were called, respectively, first,
   second, and third consul.
4. An official commissioned 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 consuls.
{Vice consul}, a consular officer holding the place of a
   consul during the consul's absence or after he has been
   relieved.