Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - consulate

n. 1 the building officially used by a consul. 2 the office, position, or period of office of consul. 3 hist. government by consuls. 4 hist. the period of office of a consul. 5 hist. (Consulate) the government of France by three consuls (1799-1804). Etymology: ME f. L consulatus (as consul)