rector

 
Pronunciation: /ˈrɛktə/

noun

  • 1(in the Church of England) the incumbent of a parish where all tithes formerly passed to the incumbent. Compare with vicar
  • (in other Anglican Churches) a member of the clergy who has charge of a parish.
  • (in the Roman Catholic Church) a priest in charge of a church or of a religious institution.
  • 2the head of certain universities, colleges, and schools.
  • (in Scotland) an elected representative of students on a university’s governing body.

Derivatives

rectorate

Pronunciation: /-rət/
noun

rectorial

Pronunciation: /-ˈtɔːrɪəl/
adjective

rectorship

noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin rector 'ruler', from rect- 'ruled', from the verb regere

Spelling help

The ending of rector is spelled -or.