1. government by eight rulers
Usage: rare; political science
2. a country or state governed by eight rulers
Usage: rare; political science

Examples

• The ancient city-state experimented with an octarchy for several years.
• Historians debate whether the octarchy was an effective form of governance.
• The octarchy collapsed when the eight rulers could not agree on policy.
• Few examples of successful octarchy exist in recorded history.
• The constitution established an octarchy with equal power among all eight leaders.