A religious leader in charge of a parish, or an academic administrator who heads certain educational institutions.
From Latin rector meaning 'ruler, director,' from regere 'to rule straight.' Originally meant someone who guided or directed, whether spiritually in religious contexts or administratively in academic ones.
The word rector embodies the concept of 'straight ruling' - both religious and academic rectors are meant to provide moral and intellectual guidance that keeps communities on the right path, making them literal 'directors' of human development.
Rector historically defaulted to male clergy and institutional leadership. The title carried institutional male authority; female equivalents were historically unavailable or unmarked.
Use role-neutral framing: specify gender when relevant to context, or use 'rector' inclusively for any qualified person regardless of gender.
["religious leader","institutional head","academic leader"]
Women have held rectorial roles since the 20th century; historical records often erased their tenure by using male pronouns.
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