1. A priest in an Anglican church: The rector of the parish conducts religious services and also consults or gives advice to the individual members of his congregation.
2. A Roman Catholic priest appointed to be a manager as well as a spiritual head of a church or other institution, such as a seminary or university: The rector, or religious official, conducts certain rituals and sacraments in his place of worship.
3. A person who is in charge as the primary administrator of a certain educational institution, college, or university: The chief manager of some European schools are known as rectors.