Rector

/ˈɹɛktɚ/ · noun

Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

1. In the Anglican Church, a cleric in charge of a parish and who owns the tithes of it.
2. In the Roman Catholic Church, a cleric with managerial as well as spiritual responsibility for a church or other institution.
3. (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.
4. In a Protestant church, a pastor in charge of a church with administrative and pastoral leadership combined.
5. A headmaster or headmistress in various educational institutions, e.g., a university.
6. (Scotland) An official in Scottish universities who heads the university court and is elected by and represents the student body.

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.

Synonyms for rector

Antonyms for rector

Related Words

Word Forms

• rectors
• rectour

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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