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.