from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Regency \Re"gen*cy\ (r?*jen*s?), n.; pl. {Regencies} (-s?z).
[CF. F. r['e]gence, LL. regentia. See {Regent}, a.]
1. The office of ruler; rule; authority; government.
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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.
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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.
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A council or regency consisting of twelve persons.
--Lowth.
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