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régent

regent, ruler acting in place of a monarch

noun reh-ZHAHN Rare
People & Society Government

Origin: Latin regens, ruling

Usage Note

Régent denotes a person who governs in place of a monarch who is absent, underage, or incapacitated. The most famous French example is Philippe d'Orléans, regent during the minority of Louis XV. The feminine régente exists but is rare. The word can also appear in older educational contexts for a teacher or schoolmaster.

Examples

"Le régent gouverna le pays pendant dix ans."

Natural Translation

The regent governed the country for ten years.

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