Regency
Regency (r?*jen*s?) , noun
[CF. French régence, Late Latin regentia. See Regent, a.]
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.