Definition of "pastoral" in English

adjective

1. Of or pertaining to shepherds or herders of other livestock.

2. Relating to rural life and scenes, in particular of poetry.

   • We were living a pastoral life.

3. Relating to the care of souls, to the pastor of a church or to any local religious leader charged with the service of individual parishioners, i.e. a priest or rabbi.

   • pastoral duties
   • a pastoral letter

noun

1. A poem describing the life and manners of shepherds; a poem in which the speakers assume the character of shepherds; an idyll; a bucolic.

2. (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.

3. (religion, Christianity) A letter of a pastor to his charge; specifically, a letter addressed by a bishop to his diocese.

4. (religion, Christianity) A letter of the House of Bishops, to be read in each parish.