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.
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.
Hear it pronounced