regency

/ˈriːdʒənsi/
noun
  1. A period when a country is ruled by a regent (someone who governs because the monarch is too young, absent, or unable to rule).
    • During the regency, the duke made important decisions on behalf of the young king.
    • The queen was only a baby, so the kingdom was under a regency until she came of age.
    • Historians often study the regency period to understand how power was managed without a monarch.
  2. The position or office of a regent.
    • He accepted the regency after the king fell ill.
    • Her regency lasted for ten years until the prince turned eighteen.
    • The regency was offered to the queen's trusted advisor.
  3. A historical style or period, especially the British Regency (1811–1820) known for its architecture, fashion, and culture.
    • She loves watching movies about the Regency era because of the costumes and manners.
    • Regency architecture is famous for its graceful columns and symmetrical designs.
    • The novel is set in the Regency, with elegant ballrooms and horse-drawn carriages.
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