Etymology Map
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Pastor

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a minister in charge of a congregation

Where does the word "pastor" come from? It comes from Latin pastor, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
pastor
Latin · ancient
"shepherd"
from 'pascere', to feed or graze
2
Stage 2 of 3
pastor
Old French · medieval
"shepherd; priest"
Christ as the Good Shepherd made it a word for clergy
3
Stage 3 of 3
pastor
English · 1300s
"a spiritual shepherd"
'pastoral' still means both rural and caring
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Read the full story

Pastor’s story begins in Latin: pastor meant “shepherd.” From 'pascere', to feed or graze. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as pastor. Christ as the Good Shepherd made it a word for clergy. It reached English by 1300s as pastor. 'pastoral' still means both rural and caring. Today, pastor means a minister in charge of a congregation.