regency Hear it!

regency definition

re·gency (rē′jən sē)

noun pl. regencies -·cies

  1. the position, function, or authority of a regent or group of regents
  2. a group serving as regents
  3. a country or territory governed by a regent or group of regents
  4. the time during which a regent or regency governs

Etymology: ME regencie < ML regentia

adjective

designating or of a style of furniture of the French or British regencies, the French style characterized by scrollwork combined with natural forms, many curves, and strict balance and proportion, the English style by less massive forms and featuring metal or ebony inlay on mahogany and rosewood
regency Idioms

the Regency

  1. in England, the period (1811-20) during which George, Prince of Wales, acted as regent
  2. in France, the period (1715-23) during which Philip, Duke of Orleans, acted as regent

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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