Definition

1. Noun:
   • The office, position, or function of a regent: The condition or period during which a regent governs a state because the monarch is a minor, absent, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to rule.
   • A period of government by a regent: A specific historical period when a country is ruled by a regent or regents.
   • A body of regents: A group of people appointed to govern an institution, such as a university.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • During the king's illness, the country was governed by a regency.
  • The Regency in France lasted until the young king came of age.
  • The university is overseen by a board of regency.

Advanced Usage

• "The Regency" (often capitalized): Specifically refers to a notable historical period. In British history, it denotes the period from 1811 to 1820 when George, Prince of Wales (later George IV), ruled as Prince Regent due to the incapacity of his father, King George III. This era is associated with distinctive styles in architecture, literature, and fashion.
  • Jane Austen's novels are set during the Regency.
• Used to describe the characteristic style of that period.
  • She collects Regency furniture.

Variants and Related Words

• Regent (noun): A person appointed to administer a state because the monarch is a minor, absent, or incapacitated.
  • The prince served as regent for five years.
• Regental (adjective): Pertaining to a regent or regency.
  • It was a regental decree.

Synonyms

• Interregnum: A period when normal government is suspended, especially between successive reigns or regimes.
• Protectorate: The position or period of office of a protector, especially in English history.
• Stewardship: The job of supervising or taking care of something.

Related Phrases

• Regency Council: A body of regents ruling collectively.
  • A regency council was established to rule during the emperor's minority.
• In regency: The state of being under a regent's rule.
  • The kingdom was in regency for a decade.

Related Idioms

• A regency air/style: Having the qualities or appearance associated with the historical Regency period.
  • The ballroom had a distinct Regency air, with its elegant columns and refined decor.

Noun

1. the office of a regent
2. the period from 1811-1820 when the Prince of Wales was regent during George III's periods of insanity
3. the period of time during which a regent governs