'council-like' originates from English, formed from the noun 'council' plus the suffix '-like', where '-like' meant 'having the form of' or 'similar to'.

'council' comes into English via Old French 'conseil' and Middle English 'counseil' (or 'council'), ultimately from Latin 'consilium'; the suffix '-like' derives from Old English 'līc' meaning 'body' or 'form', which developed into the adjectival suffix '-like' in Modern English. The compound 'council-like' is thus a modern English formation combining these elements.

Initially, the elements meant 'a deliberative body' (for 'council') and 'having the form of' (for '-like'); combined, the compound has retained the straightforward meaning of 'similar to a council' into current usage.