1. substitute for monarch: somebody who rules on behalf of a monarch who is unable to rule because of youth, illness, or absence
2. university official: an officer of a university, especially a member of the governing board
adjective
Definition:
acting as regent: ruling as a regent the prince regent
[14th century. Via French< Latin regent-, present participle of regere "rule"]
re·gent·al adjective
Word History
The Latin word regere "to rule," from which regent is derived, is also the source of the English words correct, erect, escort, realm, rector, regime, regiment, and region.