Regency

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The office of ruler; rule; authority; government.

2. Especially, the office, jurisdiction, or dominion of a regent or vicarious ruler, or of a body of regents; deputed or vicarious government. Sir W. Temple.

3. A body of men intrusted with vicarious government; as, a regency constituted during a king's minority, absence from the kingdom, or other disability. A council or regency consisting of twelve persons. Lowth.