interregnum

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

interregnum
    n 1: the time between two reigns, governments, etc.

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Interregnum \In`ter*reg"num\, n.; pl. {Interregnums}. [L., fr.
   inter between + regnum dominion, reign. See {Reign}, and cf.
   {Interreign}.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. The time during which a throne is vacant between the death
      or abdication of a sovereign and the accession of his
      successor.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Any period during which, for any cause, the executive
      branch of a government is suspended or interrupted.
      [1913 Webster]

from The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906)

INTERREGNUM, n.  The period during which a monarchical country is
governed by a warm spot on the cushion of the throne.  The experiment
of letting the spot grow cold has commonly been attended by most
unhappy results from the zeal of many worthy persons to make it warm
again.

from Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)

INTERREGNUM, polit. law. In an established government, the period which 
elapses between the death of a sovereign and the election of another is 
called interregnum. It is also understood for the vacancy created in the 
executive power, and for any vacancy which occurs when there is no 
government.

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