re·gen·cy 
(rējən-sē)
(rējən-sē)n. pl. re·gen·cies
1. A person or group selected to govern in place of a monarch or other ruler who is absent, disabled, or still in minority.
2. The period during which a regent governs.
3. The office, area of jurisdiction, or government of regents or a regent.
adj.
1. Regency Of, relating to, or characteristic of the style prevalent in England during the regency (1811-1820) of George, Prince of Wales (later George IV).
2. Regency Of, relating to, or characteristic of the style prevalent in France during the regency (1715-1723) of Philippe, Duc d'Orléans (1674-1723).
3. Of or relating to a regency: regency policies and appointments that were later rescinded.