ˈpɑ:stərəl adj. & n. --adj. 1
of, relating
to, or associated
with shepherds or flocks
and herds. 2 (of land) used
for pasture. 3 (of a
poem,
picture, etc.) portraying
country life, usu. in a
romantic or idealized
form. 4 of or
appropriate to a
pastor. --n. 1 a pastoral poem,
play, picture, etc. 2 a
letter from a pastor (esp. a bishop) to
the clergy or
people. øpastoral staff a bishop's
crosier. pastoral
theology that considering religious truth in
relation to
spiritual needs. øøpastoralism n. pastorality n. pastorally adv. [ME f. L pastoralis (as PASTOR)]