viceroy
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈvaɪsɹɔɪ// UK //vˈaɪsɹɔɪ// viceroy
n. a person who rules a country or colony as a representative of a king or queen.
n. a person appointed to rule a country or province as the representative of the sovereign. Often used in historical contexts regarding colonial administration.
The viceroy ruled the colony in the name of the king.
During the colonial era, the viceroy held supreme authority over the territory and reported directly to the monarch.
The administration of the vast overseas empire was delegated to a viceroy, whose primary duty was to enforce royal decrees while maintaining local order and tax collection.
From Middle French vice-roy, from vice- + roy (“king”). Compare viscount.
Usage
Often capitalised when used as a formal title before a name.