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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[Cf. F.

pastorat

. See

The office, state, or jurisdiction of a pastor.

Noun.

The office, state or jurisdiction of a spiritual pastor.

pastorate ‎(plural pastorates)

The role or responsibilities of a pastor.
The old pastor found his pastorate wearying, and longed to retire.
The period of service of a particular pastor to their congregation; their term of office.
His pastorate had been marked by several changes in church policy with regards to community outreach.
An organization or body consisting of multiple pastors.
At the denomination's annual conference, the pastorate had passed a bylaw prohibiting members from performing online marriage ceremonies.