pastoral definition - Dictionary

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pastoral

pas·tor·al [ pástərəl ]

adjective

Definition:

1. rural: relating to the countryside or to rural life

pastoral living

2. idealizing rural life: presenting an idealized image of rural life and nature

pastoral poetry

3. of clergy: relating to Christian ministers or priests or their duties

4. giving advice to students: involving the giving of personal advice and support to students on the part of a teacher as opposed to simply teaching them

5. used for pasture: describes land that is used as pasture

6. of sheep or cattle: relating to or keeping sheep or cattle

noun (plural pas·tor·als)

Definition:

1. description of rural life: a literary work or painting that portrays rural life in an idealized way

2. music
Same as pastorale

3. letter from minister: a letter written by a Christian minister or priest to his or her congregation

4. bishop's staff: a staff carried by a Christian bishop as a symbol of office

[15th century. < Latin pastoralis< pastor (see pastor)]

pas·tor·al·ly adverb

Cultural Note


	Pastoral Symphony, a composition (1808) by the German composer Ludwig van Beethoven. This is the name by which Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F major, op. 68, is popularly known. Beethoven described this widely performed work as a "recollection of country life." It describes a day's outing to countryside near Vienna and features peasant dances, bird songs, and a storm.