Noun

(en noun)

In the Anglican Church, a cleric in charge of a parish and who owns the tithes of it.

* , chapter=10

, title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=It was a joy to snatch some brief respite, and find himself in the rectory drawing–room. Listening here was as pleasant as talking; just to watch was pleasant. The young priests who lived here wore cassocks and birettas; their faces were fine and mild, yet really strong, like the rector' s face; and in their intercourse with him and his wife they seemed to be brothers.}}

In the Roman Catholic Church, a cleric with managerial as well as spiritual responsibility for a church or other institution.

A headmaster in various educational institutions, e.g. a university.

Noun

(en noun)

(Scottish local government) The equivalent of mayor in some Scottish cities.

(higher education) A senior academic administrator; sometimes called the Vice-President of Academic Affairs.

(religion) The highest position in a monastery below an abbot.

A prison keeper, especially in the military.

* 1604 , , I. ii. 113:

Here comes Signor Claudio, led by the provost / to prison;