Re"gen*cy (r?*jen*s?), n.; pl. Regencies (-sz). [CF. F. r'egence, LL. 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.
Lowth.
© Webster 1913.