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regency

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(rē′jən sē)

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

Origin: 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

See regency in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. re·gen·cies

A person or group selected to govern in place of a monarch or other ruler who is absent, disabled, or still in minority.
The period during which a regent governs.
The office, area of jurisdiction, or government of regents or a regent.

adjective

Regency Of, relating to, or characteristic of the style, especially in furniture, prevalent in England during the regency (1811-1820) of George, Prince of Wales (later George IV).
Regency Of, relating to, or characteristic of the style prevalent in France during the regency (1715-1723) of Philippe, Duc d'Orléans (1674-1723).
Of or relating to a regency: regency policies and appointments that were later rescinded.

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