interrex
/ˈɪntərˌrɛks/
noun
- A temporary ruler or official who governs during a period between the death or removal of a monarch and the appointment of a new one.
- The role of the interrex was crucial to prevent a power vacuum in the kingdom.
- After the king's sudden death, an interrex was appointed to maintain order until the new monarch was chosen.
- In ancient Rome, the interrex served for only five days before a successor was elected.