n.
Pronunciation: pr ə - ' vin(t)-sh ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: in sense 1, from Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin provincialis, from provincia ecclesiastical province; in other senses, from Latin provincialis, from provincia province
Date: 14th century
1 : the superior of a province of a Roman Catholic religious order
2 : one living in or coming from a province
3 a : a person of local or restricted interests or outlook b : a person lacking urban polish or refinement