Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person authorized to conduct religious worship: In some Christian churches, especially the Anglican Church, a rector is a member of the clergy in charge of a parish, with specific rights to the parish's tithes and income.
   • The head of certain universities, colleges, schools, or religious institutions: In some educational contexts, particularly in Scotland and some other parts of Europe, a rector is the elected head of a university or a school.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Religious Leader):
  • The rector delivered a powerful sermon on Sunday morning.
  • She was appointed rector of the local parish church.
• Noun (Academic Head):
  • The students elected a new rector to represent them at the university court.
  • The school rector presided over the graduation ceremony.

Advanced Usage

• "Rector Emeritus": A title for a former rector who retains an honorary connection to the institution.
  • The university honored the rector emeritus for his decades of service.
• "Rectorial": Pertaining to a rector or a rectory.
  • The rectorial duties include both spiritual guidance and administrative work.

Variants and Related Words

• Rectory (n): The house where a rector lives.
  • The old rectory is next to the church.
• Rectorship (n): The office, rank, or term of a rector.
  • During his rectorship, the parish grew significantly.

Synonyms

• Clergyman/Clergywoman: A person ordained for religious duties.
• Minister: A member of the clergy, especially in Protestant churches.
• Pastor: A minister in charge of a Christian church or congregation.
• Principal: The head of certain schools or colleges (as a synonym for the academic sense).

Related Phrases

• To be installed as rector: To be formally placed into the position of rector.
  • He was installed as rector in a traditional ceremony.

Noun

1. a person authorized to conduct religious worship
   • clergymen are usually called ministers in Protestant churches