pastoral Meaning, Definition & Usage
-
noun a musical composition that evokes rural life
pastorale; idyll; idyl.
-
noun a letter from a pastor to the congregation
-
noun a literary work idealizing the rural life (especially the life of shepherds)
-
adjective of or relating to a pastor
- pastoral work
- a pastoral letter
-
adjective relating to shepherds or herdsmen or devoted to raising sheep or cattle
bucolic.
- pastoral seminomadic people
- pastoral land
- a pastoral economy
-
adjective satellite (used with regard to idealized country life) idyllically rustic
bucolic; arcadian.
- a country life of arcadian contentment
- a pleasant bucolic scene
- charming in its pastoral setting
- rustic tranquility
WordNet
Pas"tor*al adjective
Etymology
L.Definitions
-
Of or pertaining to shepherds; hence, relating to rural life and scenes; as, a .pastoral life -
Relating to the care of souls, or to the pastor of a church; as, pastoral duties; apastoral letter.
Pas"tor*al noun
Definitions
-
A poem describing the life and manners of shepherds; a poem in which the speakers assume the character of shepherds; an idyl; a bucolic. A pastoral is a poem in which any action or passion is represented by its effects on a country life. Rambler.
-
(Mus.) 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 (Encyc. of Music). -
(Eccl.) 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.