regent
UK: ˈriːdʒənt | US: ˈriːdʒənt
n. a person appointed to govern a state because the monarch is a minor, absent, or incapacitated
n. a member of a governing board (e.g., of a university)
adj. acting as a ruler or governor temporarily
The word "regent" originates from Latin regent- (stem of regēns), the present participle of regere ("to rule"). The root reg- (meaning "rule") appears in many English words (e.g., "regal," "reign"). The suffix -ent denotes an agent (one who performs the action). Historically, a regent was someone who ruled temporarily in place of a monarch, reflecting the Latin idea of "one who rules." Over time, the term expanded to include administrative roles in institutions like universities.
The queen appointed her brother as regent while her son was underage.
The university regent proposed new policies for student housing.
During the king's illness, the council chose a regent to govern.
She served as regent until the heir was old enough to take the throne.
The board of regents oversees the financial decisions of the college.