-nəm noun
( plural interregnums -mz ; or interreg·na -nə)
Etymology: Latin, from inter- + regnum dominion — more at reign
1. obsolete : reign or tenure of power during a temporary vacancy of a throne or suspension of the ordinary government
2.
a. : the time during which a throne is vacant between the death, abdication, or expulsion of a sovereign and the accession of his successor
b. : a period between two regimes of the same form or of different forms of government
3. : a period during which the normal functions of government or control are suspended
4.
a. : a period of freedom from customary authority
b. : a lapse, break, or pause in a continuous series