shepherdly

English

Etymology

shepherd +‎ -ly

Adjective

shepherdly (comparative more shepherdly, superlative most shepherdly)

1. Resembling or characteristic of a shepherd; pastoral; rustic.
   • 1559, Thomas Phayer, Newe Boke De Presidentes:

     And with a shepherdly reward wytsaue ye hym to fauour.

2. Taking care of a group or flock, as a shepherd does.
   • 1998, Robert L. Thomas, Understanding spiritual gifts, page 196:

     A Sunday school teacher, for example, may and should exercise shepherdly concern for members of his or her class.

Synonyms

• shepherdlike

Antonyms

• unshepherdly