pastoral

  1. Adjective.  Of or pertaining to shepherds; hence, relating to rural life and scenes; as, a pastoral life.
  2. Adjective.  Relating to the care of souls, or to the pastor of a church; as, '''pastoral''' duties; a '''pastoral''' letter.
  3. Noun.  A poem describing the life and manners of shepherds; a poem in which the speakers assume the character of shepherds; an idyll; a bucolic.
  4. Noun.  (music) 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. Moore.
  5. Noun.  (religion, Christianity) A letter of a pastor to his charge; specifically, a letter addressed by a bishop to his diocese.
  6. Noun.  (religion, Christianity) A letter of the w:House of Bishops, to be read in each parish.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.