Rector

Quick meaning: Rector is a noun meaning In the Anglican Church, a cleric in charge of a parish and who owns the tithes of it.

Meaning

In the Anglican Church, a cleric in charge of a parish and who owns the tithes of it.

More Meanings

1. In the Roman Catholic Church, a cleric with managerial as well as spiritual responsibility for a church or other institution.
2. In a Protestant church, a pastor in charge of a church with administrative and pastoral leadership combined.
3. A headmaster or headmistress in various educational institutions, e.g., a university.
4. (Scotland) An official in Scottish universities who heads the university court and is elected by and represents the student body.
5. (Eastern Orthodoxy, uncommon) A priest or bishop in the Orthodox Church who is in charge of a parish or in an administrative leadership position in a theological seminary or academy.

Example Sentences

It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector's face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.

Word Forms

• rectors
• rectour

Synonyms for rector

Depending on context, synonyms include minister, pastor, parson, curate.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include parson, minister, curate, pastor, rectory, provost.

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