from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Pastoral \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.
[1913 Webster]
2. Relating to the care of souls, or to the pastor of a
church; as, pastoral duties; a pastoral letter.
[1913 Webster]
{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.
[1913 Webster]