interregnum

See also Interregnum

English

Etymology

From Latin inter- "between" + the accusative of regnum (which is regnum) meaning "reign", "power" or "kingdom". Literally meaning "between reign" or "between kingdom".

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA: /ˌɪntəɹˈɹɛɡnəm/

Noun

interregnum (plural interregnums or interregna)

1. The period of time between the end of a sovereign's reign and the accession of another sovereign.
2. A period of time during which normal executive leadership is suspended or interrupted.
3. An intermission in any order of succession; any breach of continuity in action or influence.
   • 1835, William Gilmore Simms, The Partisan, Harper, Chapter XIV, page 179:

     This was in that strange pause of the storm which is its most remarkable feature in the South—that singular interregnum of the winds, when, after giving repeated notice of their most terrific action, they seem almost to forget their purpose, and for a few moments appear to slumber in their inactivity.

Translations

period of time between the end of a sovereign's reign and the accession of another sovereign

German: Interregnum (de) n.

period of time during which normal executive leadership is suspended or interrupted

intermission in any order of succession; any breach of continuity in action or influence

German: Pause (de) f., Unterbrechung (de) f.

References

• interregnum in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• interregnum in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911