First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
regent
noun re·gent \ˈrē-jənt\
: a person who rules a kingdom when the king or queen is not able to rule because he or she is sick, too young, etc.
Full Definition of REGENT
1
: a person who governs a kingdom in the minority, absence, or disability of the sovereign
2
: a person who rules or reigns : governor
3
: a member of a governing board (as of a state university)
— regent adjective
— re·gent·al \-jən-təl\ adjective
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Origin of REGENT
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin regent-, regens, from Latin, present participle of regere to direct — more at right
Rhymes with REGENT
REGENT Defined for Kids
regent
noun re·gent \ˈrē-jənt\
Definition of REGENT for Kids
: a person who temporarily governs a kingdom in place of a monarch
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