noun
- a person who rules temporarily between the reigns of two monarchs or during a vacancy in office
Usage: historical
Examples
- The interrex governed the kingdom until the rightful heir came of age.
- During the civil war, an interrex was appointed to maintain order.
- The council selected a trusted noble to serve as interrex.
- Ancient Rome sometimes appointed an interrex between consular terms.
- The interrex’s authority was limited to essential governmental functions.
- After the king’s death, the interrex ruled for six months.