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King's Counsel

American  

noun

British Law.
  1. a body of barristers of a higher status who are specially appointed to be the crown's counsel, and who are permitted to plead inside the bar in the court.

  2. a member of this body of barristers.

  3. an honorary title conferred on a successful barrister when the sovereign is a king, originally for services in representing the crown but now as a mark of professional distinction.


King's Counsel British  

noun

  1. (when the sovereign is male) another name for Queen's Counsel

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His solicitors, Grosvenor Law, said they had received written advice from a leading tax King's Counsel.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2025

Red Bull Racing brought in independent investigator King’s Counsel, which found no wrongdoing by Horner.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2024

He is a leading barrister and King's Counsel and has been described by the Court of Appeal as an advocate of "great eloquence".

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2023

Six lawyers, including two elite UK King's Counsel lawyers alongside the original team, have prepared the case.

From Reuters • Mar. 28, 2023

He studied law at Montreal, and practised there; became King's Counsel for Canada East, and was finally elected to the provincial parliament on the Reform ticket.

From McClure's Magazine, Vol. 6, No. 4, March, 1896 by Various

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