adj of or pertaining to shepherds; hence, relating to rural life and scenes; as, a pastoral life.
2. pastoral ·adj relating to the care of souls, or to the pastor of a church; as, pastoral duties; a pastoral letter.
3. pastoral ·noun a poem describing the life and manners of shepherds; a poem in which the speakers assume the character of shepherds; an idyl; a bucolic.
4. pastoral ·noun a cantata relating to rural life; a composition for instruments characterized by simplicity and sweetness; a lyrical composition the subject of which is taken from rural life.
5. pastoral ·noun a letter of a pastor to his charge; specifically, a letter addressed by a bishop to his diocese; also (prot. epis. ch.), a letter of the house of bishops, to be read in each parish.