Pas"tor*al (?), a. [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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
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.
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.
© Webster 1913.