Regent, << REE juhnt, >> is a person who rules a country when the rightful ruler cannot, either because he or she is too young, out of the country, or ill. In some countries, a member of the royal family acts as regent. In others, a council may exercise duties of the ruler.
The British had no special arrangements providing for a regency until the Regency Act of 1937 was passed. This law provides for the appointment of a regent if the monarch is unable to rule. A council of state can act as regent for short periods of time. This council is composed of the husband or wife of the ruler and the next four persons in succession to the crown.
In the United States, members of the governing body of libraries, museums, school systems, and universities and colleges are called regents.
