First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
rector
noun rec·tor \ˈrek-tər\
: a priest or minister who is in charge of a church or parish
: a person who is in charge of a university or school
Full Definition of RECTOR
1
: one that directs : leader
2
a : a member of the clergy (as of the Protestant Episcopal Church) in charge of a parish b : an incumbent of a Church of England benefice in full possession of its rights c : a Roman Catholic priest directing a church with no pastor or one whose pastor has other duties
3
: the head of a university or school
— rec·tor·ate \-t(ə-)rət\ noun
— rec·to·ri·al \rek-ˈtȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
— rec·tor·ship \ˈrek-tər-ˌship\ noun
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Origin of RECTOR
Middle English, from Latin, from regere to direct — more at right
Other Christian Religious Terms
RECTORIAL Defined for Kids
rector
noun rec·tor \ˈrek-tər\
Definition of RECTOR for Kids
: pastor
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