rectorn.[L., fr. regere, rectum, to lead straight, to rule: cf. F. recteur. See Regiment, Right.]()1. A ruler or governor.()God is the supreme rector of the world. (Sir M. Hale.)2. (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.()3. The head master of a public school.()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.()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.()