regency

A person or group selected to govern in place of a monarch or other ruler who is absent, disabled, or still in minority.

The period during which a regent governs.

The office, area of jurisdiction, or government of regents or a regent.

Of, relating to, or characteristic of the style, especially in furniture, prevalent in England during the regency (1811–1820) of George, Prince of Wales (later George IV).

Of, relating to, or characteristic of the style prevalent in France during the regency (1715–1723) of Philippe, Duc d’Orléans (1674–1723).

Of or relating to a regency.

Rule; authority; government.

More specifically, the office, government, or jurisdiction of a regent; deputed or vicarious government. See regent, 2.

The district under the jurisdiction of a regent or vicegerent.

The body of men intrusted with vicarious government: as, a regency constituted during a king’s minority, insanity, or absence from the kingdom.