council of war

noun

1. a conference of high-ranking military or naval officers, usually for discussing a major emergency or war problem.
2. any conference for discussing or deciding upon a course of action.

council of war

noun

1. an assembly of military leaders in wartime
2. an emergency meeting to formulate a plan

Word History and Origins

Origin of council of war¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Having called a council-of-war, all the captains agreed that the exploit might be accomplished.

From Project Gutenberg

Shortly after sunrise, therefore, they stopped to rest, and hold a council-of-war.

From Project Gutenberg

No sooner were we safe within the walls of Dunkirk than we held a very necessary council-of-war on our position.

From Project Gutenberg