consul

/konsal/ An officer of a commercial character, appointed by the different nations to watch over the mercantile and tourist interests of the appointing nation and of its subjects in foreign countries. There are usually a number of consuls in every maritime country, and they are usually subject to a chief consul, who is called a "consul general." A public official residing in a foreign country responsible for developing and protecting the economic interests of his government and looking after the welfare of his government's citizens who may be traveling or residing within his jurisdiction. United States consuls form a part of the Foreign Service and are of various grades: consul general, consul, vice consul, and consular agent. In old English law, a title of an earl. In Roman law, during the republic, the name "consul" was given to the chief executive magistrate, two of whom were chosen annually. The office was continued under the empire, but its powers and prerogatives were greatly reduced. The name is supposed to have been derived from consulo, to consult, because these officers consulted with the senate on administrative measures