IPA: /ˈpæs.tə.reɪt/
KK: /ˈpæstərət/
The position or role of a pastor, including their responsibilities and authority within a church or religious organization.
After years of service, she was appointed to the pastorate of the local church.
Pastorate → It is formed from "pastor" (from Latin "pastor", meaning shepherd) and "-ate" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating a state or condition). The word "pastorate" refers to the office or condition of being a pastor, akin to the role of a shepherd in guiding a congregation.
Think of a 'shepherd' ('pastor') who guides a flock, and the '-ate' indicates the state of being in that role. This helps you remember that 'pastorate' is the condition of being a shepherd to a community.