I. -nsē, -si noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English regencie, from Medieval Latin regentia, from regent-, regens ruler, regent + Latin -ia -y — more at regent
1.
a. : the office, jurisdiction, or dominion of a regent or vicarious ruler or of a body of regents
b. archaic : the office or position of ruler : royal officer or state : rule
2. : a territory governed by a regent or regency
3.
a. obsolete : a governing body of various cities or states
b. : a body of men entrusted with vicarious government
a regency constituted during a king's minority
4. : a period during which a regent or body of regents governs
II. adjective
Usage: often capitalized
Etymology: regency (I) ; from the regency of George, Prince of Wales (afterwards George IV died 1830 King of Great Britain and Ireland) during the period (1811-20) when his father George III was still alive but permanently deranged
: of, relating to, typical of, or adapted from early 19th century England, its customs, or its styles
a regency poem
regency furniture
regency dress