Definitions
1.nounA poem describing the life and manners of shepherds; a poem in which the speakers assume the character of shepherds; an idyll; a bucolic.
2.nounA 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.
3.nounA letter of a pastor to his charge; specifically, a letter addressed by a bishop to his diocese.
4.nounA letter of the House of Bishops, to be read in each parish.
5.adjectiveOf or pertaining to shepherds or herders of other livestock
6.adjectiveRelating to rural life and scenes"We were living a pastoral life."
7.adjectiveRelating to the care of souls, to the pastor of a church or to any local religious leader charged with the service of individual parishioners, i.e. a priest or rabbi."pastoral duties; a pastoral letter"