Definition of pastoral
- a. - Of or pertaining to shepherds; hence, relating to rural
life and scenes; as, a pastoral life.
- a. - Relating to the care of souls, or to the pastor of a
church; as, pastoral duties; a pastoral letter.
- n. - A poem describing the life and manners of shepherds; a
poem in which the speakers assume the character of shepherds; an idyl;
a bucolic.
- n. - A cantata relating to rural life; a composition for
instruments characterized by simplicity and sweetness; a lyrical
composition the subject of which is taken from rural life.
- n. - A letter of a pastor to his charge; specifically, a
letter addressed by a bishop to his diocese; also (Prot. Epis. Ch.), a
letter of the House of Bishops, to be read in each parish.