pastorate

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English pastor Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Italic *-tus Latin -tus, -tūs Latin -ātusder. English -ate English pastorate From pastor + -ate (forms nouns denoting rank or office, a body of people involved with it).

1. The role or responsibilities of a pastor.

   “The old pastor found his pastorate wearying, and longed to retire.”

2. 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.”

3. 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.”