Dictionary 1. (n.) A book; esp., a collection of poems written by one author; as, the divan of Hafiz.2. (n.) In Turkey and other Oriental countries: A council of state; a royal court. Also used by the poets for a grand deliberative council or assembly. 3. (n.) A chief officer of state. 4. (n.) A saloon or hall where a council is held, in Oriental countries, the state reception room in places, and in the houses of the richer citizens. Cushions on the floor or on benches are ranged round the room. 5. (n.) A cushioned seat, or a large, low sofa or couch; especially, one fixed to its place, and not movable. 6. (n.) A coffee and smoking saloon. Thesaurus British Cabinet Sanhedrin US Cabinet advisory body advisory council assembly association bench board body of advisers borough council brain trust cabinet camarilla chamber city council common council conference congress consultative assembly council council fire council of ministers council of state council of war county council court deliberative assembly diet directory junta kitchen cabinet legislature ministry parish council privy council shadow cabinet soviet staff syndicate synod tribunal |