interregnum

Plural: interregna, interregnums

Noun

• the time between two reigns, governments, etc.
• The period of time between the end of a sovereign or political leader's reign and the accession of another.
• A period of time during which normal executive leadership is suspended or interrupted.
• An intermission in any order of succession; any breach of continuity in action or influence.
• the period of time between when a minister or pastor leaves a church and when a new one is installed

Examples

• The Sasanian Interregnum of 628–632

Synonyms

hiatus, moratorium, pause, recess

Related Words

regency