‖ interrex
(ˈɪntərɛks)
Pl. -reges (-ˈriːdʒiːz).
[L., f. inter between (inter- 2 b) + rex king.]
One who holds the supreme authority in a state during an interregnum.
In ancient Rome, an interrex was appointed to hold office between the death of a king and the election of his successor; the title was continued under the Republic to denote officers appointed to hold the comitia when the consulate happened to be vacant.
| 1579–80 North Plutarch (1612) 308 The regents at that time called Interreges. 1590 L. Lloyd Consent of Time 682 This time in Fraunce were appointed two chiefe gouernours called Interreges. 1741 Middleton Cicero I. vi. 521 The administration fell into the hands of an Interrex; a provisional Magistrate [etc.]. 1796 Morse Amer. Geog. II. 287 Upon the king's demise the regal authority is then vested in the..primate of Poland, as interrex or regent. 1838–42 Arnold Hist. Rome II. xxv. 9 They resigned therefore, and the comitia were held by an interrex. 1855 Lewis Cred. Early Rom. Hist. xii. §49 II. 204 The proposition for the appointment of an interrex..is mentioned by Livy. |