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

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

Now he champions the idea of a new world peace structure in which all nations, big & little, will have a voice at a common council.

From Time Magazine Archive

In Milwaukee, the public safety committee of the city's common council last week began meeting by candlelight.

From Time Magazine Archive

By the charter of incorporation granted in the following year the name was changed to Falmouth, and a mayor, recorder, 7 aldermen and 12 burgesses constituted a common council with the usual rights and privileges.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2 "Fairbanks, Erastus" to "Fens" by Various