rector

[ rek-ter ]

noun

1. a member of the clergy in charge of a parish in the Protestant Episcopal Church.
2. Roman Catholic Church. an ecclesiastic in charge of a college, religious house, or congregation.
3. Anglican Church. a member of the clergy who has the charge of a parish with full possession of all its rights, tithes, etc.
4. the head of certain universities, colleges, and schools.

rector

/ ˈrɛktə; rɛkˈtɔːrɪəl /

noun

1. Church of England a clergyman in charge of a parish in which, as its incumbent, he would formerly have been entitled to the whole of the tithes Compare vicar
2. RC Church a cleric in charge of a college, religious house, or congregation
3. Episcopal Church Scottish Episcopal Church a clergyman in charge of a parish
4. the head of certain schools or colleges
5. (in Scotland) a high-ranking official in a university: now a public figure elected for three years by the students

Derived Forms

• ˈrectorship, noun
• ˈrectorate, noun
• rectorial, adjective

Other Words From

• rec·to·ri·al [rek-, tawr, -ee-, uh, l, -, tohr, -], adjective
• sub·rector noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rector¹

1350–1400; Middle English rectour < Latin rēctor helmsman, ruler, leader, equivalent to reg ( ere ) to rule + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of rector¹

C14: from Latin: director, ruler, from regere to rule

Example Sentences

Ignatieff has taught and researched at many of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, Cambridge and Oxford, and was rector of the Central European University.

From Seattle Times

The rector of the University of Buenos Aires, Ricardo Gelpi, has warned that the institution may have to shut down within three months unless it receives more funding.

From BBC

“I think it is the right place to make a protest,” said Maj Hasager, the rector of the Malmo Art Academy in Sweden, who watched the protest.

From New York Times

Its rector has chosen migration as the meditation theme for this Lent, and two large crosses now flank the entrance, with reproductions of passports and clothes worn by migrants hanging on their arms.

From Seattle Times

A former university rector, he was perceived as too scholarly to resonate with the masses.

From New York Times

Related Words

• clergyman
• cleric
• headmaster
• pastor
• priest