Pastoral — Defs

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

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.

Phrases & compounds

Pastoral staff — 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.

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

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.
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.(Mus.)
3.
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.(Eccl.)