common council

American  

noun

1. the local legislative body of a municipal government.

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Etymology

Origin of common council

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

The common council set speed limits south of Grand and Vesey Streets: no faster than “a slow trot or pace, not exceeding at any time the rate of five miles per hour.”

From New York Times • Dec. 1, 2010

Since most of the municipal jobs are appointive the campaign hinges on the mayoralty and the nine seats on the common council, which is elected at large.

From Time Magazine Archive

Utica's nine-member common council has vowed not to let Hanna make the same move with other city ser vices.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Kingston, N.Y., common council called for bids to equip 15 acres of limestone caves, in which mushrooms are presently grown commercially, as atomic shelters.

From Time Magazine Archive

After a magnificent banquet in the common council chamber, above the assize court, a princely masque of gods and goddesses, richly apparelled, was presented before her majesty.

From Rambles in an Old City comprising antiquarian, historical, biographical and political associations by Madders, S. S.