COMHAIRLE Meaning and
Definition
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Comhairle is a noun derived from the Scottish Gaelic language, most commonly used in Scotland, especially in the Hebrides and Western Isles. It refers to a council or assembly that acts as an advisory or decision-making body.
Comhairle is often used to describe specific types of councils or committees in Scotland, such as Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, which is the local government for the Outer Hebrides. It is also used in certain legal contexts, like Comhairle na h-Alba, which is the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission.
In a broader sense, comhairle can refer to any gathering or assembly where decisions are made, advice is given, or discussions take place. It implies a collaborative effort to address issues or problems. Comhairle is generally associated with democratic decision-making processes where multiple perspectives and opinions are considered.
Comhairle can also denote a consultation or seeking of advice, as in the phrase "ag iarraidh comhairle" (seeking advice). In this context, it suggests reaching out for guidance or input from others to assist in making informed decisions.
Overall, comhairle represents the idea of collective decision-making or advisory bodies and encompasses the notions of consultation, collaboration, and seeking advice.
Etymology of COMHAIRLE
The word "comhairle" is derived from Scottish Gaelic "comhairle" or Irish Gaelic "comhairle", both of which mean "counsel" or "advice". The term is ultimately derived from the Old Irish word "comarli", which has the same meaning. This Old Irish term consists of "comar", meaning "close", and "lia", meaning "face" or "appearance". Therefore, "comhairle" can be seen as "close counsel" or "advice from an intimate or trusted source".
