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.
Phrases and idioms:
pastoral staff a bishop's crosier. pastoral theology that considering religious truth in relation to spiritual needs.
Derivatives:
pastoralism n. pastorality n. pastorally adv.
Etymology: ME f. L pastoralis (as PASTOR)