Category:Pastoral

Pas"tor*al, a. Etym: [l. pastoralis: cf. F. pastoral. See pastor.]

1. Of or pertaining to shepherds; hence, relating to rural life and Scenes; as, a pastoral life.

2. Relating to the care of souls, or to the pastor of a church; as, Pastoral duties; a pastoral letter. Pastoral staff (eccl.), a staff, Usually of the form of a shepherd's crook, borne as an official Emblem by a bishop, abbot, abbess, or other prelate privileged to Carry it. See crook, and crosier. -- pastoral theology, that part of theology which treats of the Duties of pastors.

Pastoral Pas"tor*al, n.

1. 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.

2. (mus.)

Defn: 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).

3. (eccl.)

Defn: 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.