adj. 1 bucolic, idyllic, Edenic, innocent, simple, tranquil, serene, quiet, restful, peaceful, peaceable, placid, pacific, harmonious, simple, uncomplicated, Literary Arcadian, georgic After a week in those pastoral surroundings, she felt inspired Theocritus is noted for his pastoral poetry. 2 country, rural, rustic, provincial, farming, agricultural, agrarian; humble He has chosen a pastoral setting for the play, which contrasts sharply with the emotional intensity of the characters 3 clerical, ministerial, ecclesiastic(al), church(ly) Our vicar discharges his pastoral duties with energy and sincerity
n. 4 idyll, eclogue, georgic Flambeau did these marvellous engravings for a book of pastorals