heptarchy
/ˈhɛptɑːki
/noun (plural heptarchies)
1A state or region consisting of seven autonomous regions.
1.1 [mass noun] Government by seven rulers.But if I know the circumstances or the people, I am of the opinion that this heptarchy cannot stand long.
Derivatives
heptarchic
- With the union of the heptarchy under the crown of Egbert, the heptarchic Witenagemots were merged in a single Witenagemot for united England.
heptarchical
- Sometimes the scats were stamped with the svastica, or with runes - a peculiarity that does not appear upon any coins issued by the southern kings of the heptarchical period.
- Seven is the number of the heptarchical Kings and Princes, while twelve is the number of the angels of the tribes of Israel.
Origin
Late 16th century: from hepta- 'seven' + Greek arkhia 'rule', on the pattern of tetrarchy.