Pastoralism
/ˈpɑː.stər.əl.ɪzəm/noun
A way of life or economic system centered on raising and herding domesticated animals.
Did you know?Pastor, pasture, food, fodder, and foster ultimately trace back to an ancient Indo-European root associated with feeding, grazing, and protection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*peh₂-
“To protect, feed, or provide nourishment; the reconstructed root behind later pastoral vocabulary.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
pāscere
“To feed, graze, or lead animals to pasture.”
Classical Latin
Latin
pāstor
“A shepherd or herdsman—literally, one who feeds or tends animals.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
pāstorālis
“Of or relating to a shepherd; later extended to the care of Christian congregations.”
15th Century
English
pastoral
“Relating to shepherds, rural life, or an idealized countryside.”
19th Century
English
pastoralism
“A system or way of life organized around livestock herding and grazing.”