n. 1 (in the Church of England) the incumbent of a parish where all tithes formerly passed to the incumbent (cf. VICAR). 2 RC Ch. a priest in charge of a church or religious institution. 3 a the head of some schools, universities, and colleges. b (in Scotland) an elected representative of students on a university's governing body. rectorate n. rectorial adj. rectorship n.
[ ME f. OF rectour or L rector ruler f. regere rect- rule ]