Definition of pastoral

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< pastor

pastorale >

pas·tor·al    (pstr-l, p-stôr-, -str-) KEY  

ADJECTIVE:

1. 1. Of or relating to shepherds or herders.
   2. Of, relating to, or used for animal husbandry.
2. 1. Of or relating to the country or country life; rural.
   2. Charmingly simple and serene; idyllic. See Synonyms at rural.
3. Of, relating to, or being a literary or other artistic work that portrays or evokes rural life, usually in an idealized way.
4. Of or relating to a pastor or the duties of a pastor: pastoral duties; a pastoral letter.

NOUN:

1. A literary or other artistic work that portrays or evokes rural life, usually in an idealized way.
2. Music A pastorale.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin pstrlis, from pstor, shepherd ; see pastor

OTHER FORMS:
pastor·al·ly (Adverb)

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