recto-

n. [ Cf. F. recto. ] (Print.) The right-hand page; -- opposed to verso. [ 1913 Webster ]

A combining form indicating connection with, or relation to, the rectum; as, recto-vesical. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L., fr. regere, rectum, to lead straight, to rule: cf. F. recteur. See Regiment, Right. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A ruler or governor. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

God is the supreme rector of the world. Sir M. Hale. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (a) (Ch. of Eng.) A clergyman who has the charge and cure of a parish, and has the tithes, etc.; the clergyman of a parish where the tithes are not impropriate. See the Note under Vicar. Blackstone. (b) (Prot. Epis. Ch.) A clergyman in charge of a parish. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The head master of a public school. [ Scot. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The chief elective officer of some universities, as in France and Scotland; sometimes, the head of a college; as, the Rector of Exeter College, or of Lincoln College, at Oxford. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (R. C. Ch.) The superior officer or chief of a convent or religious house; and among the Jesuits the superior of a house that is a seminary or college. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ CF. F. rectoral. ] Pertaining to a rector or governor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. rectoratus: cf. F. rectorat. ] The office, rank, or station of a rector; rectorship. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. A governess; a rectrix. Drayton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The wife of a rector. Thackeray. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to a rector or a rectory; rectoral. Shipley. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Government; guidance. [ Obs. ] “The rectorship of judgment.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The office or rank of a rector; rectorate. [ 1913 Webster ]