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interregnum Definition

inter·reg·num (in′tər reg′nəm)

noun pl. -·reg′·nums or -·reg′na-nə

  1. an interval between two successive reigns, when the country has no sovereign
  2. a suspension of governmental or administrative functions; period without the usual ruler, governor, etc.
  3. any break in a series or in a continuity; interval

Etymology: L < inter-, between + regnum, reign

interregnum Synonyms

interregnum

n.

interval, suspension, interruption; see pause 1, 2, respite.

interregnum Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • follow: Another reason in Pepys ' case, however, may well be that the Waits were not recovered following the interregnum.
  • cover: He returned briefly to cover an interregnum in 1946.

Adjective modifier

  • brief: This process of change was marked by a brief interregnum, famously, " The Golden Age of Parliament " .
  • short: After a short interregnum Tacitus was selected as his successor.

Modifies a noun

  • period: The arrival of Matz Skoog in August ended the longer than anticipated interregnum period caused by Derek Deane's illness.

Noun used with modifier

  • month: Her presence is more than welcome after a 14 month interregnum.