console

n. [ F. ] 1. (Arch.) (a) A bracket whose projection is not more than half its height. (b) Any small bracket; also, a console table. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Computers) The keyboard and monitor of a computer considered together. [ GG ]

3. (Engineering) The controlling portion of an electrical, electronic, or mechanical device or system, from which the operator may observe the state of the system as indicated by gauges or on some form of display{ n3 }, and may direct or control the action of the system. [ GG +PJC ]

4. the desklike controlling unit of an organ containing the keyboard, pedals, stops, etc. by means of which the organ is played. [ PJC ]

5. a home entertainment device such as a television, radio, phonograph, CD player, or combination of these, designed as a piece of furniture, to stand on the floor rather than on a table or in a separate cabinet; -- also used attributively in the phrase console model. [ PJC ]

Console table, a table whose top is supported by two or more consoles instead of legs. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Consoled p. pr. & vb. n. Consoling. ] [ L. consolari, . p. p. consolatus; con- + solari to console, comfort: cf. F. consoler. See Solace. ] To cheer in distress or depression; to alleviate the grief and raise the spirits of; to relieve; to comfort; to soothe. [ 1913 Webster ]

And empty heads console with empty sound. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

I am much consoled by the reflection that the religion of Christ has been attacked in vain by all the wits and philosophers, and its triumph has been complete. P. Henry.

Syn. -- To comfort; solace; soothe; cheer; sustain; encourage; support. See Comfort. [ 1913 Webster ]