regency

Meaning

Noun

• A system of government that substitutes for the reign of a king or queen when that king or queen becomes unable to rule.
• The time during which a regent is in power.
• An administrative division ranking below a province in Indonesia.

Origin

• From Middle English regencie (cf. regente), from Medieval Latin regentia, from Latin regēns, present participle of regō, surface analysis regent + -cy, compare also --ency.