regent

n. someone who rules a country while the monarch is unable to do so, for example, because they are a child.

n. a person appointed to govern a state because the monarch is a minor, absent, or incapacitated.

“Since the prince was only five years old, his mother acted as regent until he grew up.”

“The council appointed the Duke as regent during the King's prolonged illness, granting him full executive powers until the monarch's recovery.”

Formal

n. a member of the governing board of a university or college.

n. a member of a governing board of a higher education institution or certain civic bodies.

“The Board of Regents met to discuss the university's budget for the next year.”

“The university regents voted unanimously to approve the construction of the new research facility despite the projected deficit.”

American English · Formal

adj. describes someone who is currently ruling or acting as a regent.

adj. acting as a regent; exercising vicarious authority on behalf of a sovereign.

“The queen regent signed the new law while the king was away at war.”

“In her capacity as princess regent, she maintained the diplomatic stability of the realm during the interregnum.”

Formal · Literary