Interregnum definition

ĭntər-rĕgnəm
interregna interregnums
See word origin
Frequency:
A gap in continuity.
noun
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The interval of time between the end of a sovereign's reign and the accession of a successor.
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A period of temporary suspension of the usual functions of government or control.
noun
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An interval between two successive reigns, when the state has no sovereign.
noun
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A suspension of governmental or administrative functions; period without the usual ruler, governor, etc.
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Any break in a series or in a continuity; interval.
noun
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The period of time between the end of a sovereign's reign and the accession of another sovereign.
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A period of time during which normal executive leadership is suspended or interrupted.
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An intermission in any order of succession; any breach of continuity in action or influence.
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
interregnum
Plural:
interregna, interregnums

Origin of interregnum

  • Latin inter- inter- rēgnum reign reign

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin inter- "between" + the accusative of regnum (which is regnum) meaning "reign", "power" or "kingdom". Literally meaning "between reign" or "between kingdom".

    From Wiktionary

Interregnum Sentence Examples

  • He was now one of the most powerful sovereigns of Europe, for besides ruling over Provence and Anjou and the kingdom of the Two Sicilies, he was imperial vicar of Tuscany, lord of many cities of Lombardy and Piedmont, and as the pope's favourite practically arbiter of the papal states, especially during the interregnum between the death of Clement IV.

  • At the conclusion of the armistice in 1632, during a short interregnum in Poland, he attempted to avenge past injuries and recover lost territory; but the campaign was not successful, and in 1634 he signed a definitive treaty by no means favourable to Russia.

  • Of course, generally speaking, less advance was made than in many previous decades, owing to the interregnum caused by the World War, when all British, French, German, and Austrian work was held up, and only the Americans and to a lesser degree the so-called " Egyptian " Service of Antiquities (manned by French and English) did any digging at all; while in all the European countries the energies of all the archaeologists who were not superannuated were transferred to the field of war, and there was no time left to write little papers, still less big books.

  • But, although the relation of reason to an external authority thus constitutes the badge of medieval thought, it would be unjust to look upon Scholasticism as philosophically barren, and to speak as if reason, after an interregnum of a thousand years, resumed its rights at the Renaissance.

  • During the ensuing interregnum he powerfully contributed, at the head of the nobles of Funen and Jutland, to the election of Christian III.

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