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Pastoral

/ˈpæs.tə.ɹəl/

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

📖 Definitions of "Pastoral"

noun
  1. 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. 2

    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. 3

    A letter of a pastor to his charge; specifically, a letter addressed by a bishop to his diocese.

  4. 4

    A letter of the House of Bishops, to be read in each parish.

adjective
  1. 1

    Of or pertaining to shepherds or herders of other livestock

  2. 2

    Relating to rural life and scenes

    "We were living a pastoral life."

  3. 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"

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