pentarchy

[ pen-tahr-kee ]

noun

, plural pen·tar·chies.

1. a government by five persons.
2. a governing body of five persons.
3. a federation of five nations, each under its own government or ruler.

pentarchy

/ ˈpɛntɑːkɪ /

noun

1. government by five rulers
2. a ruling body of five
3. a union or association of five kingdoms, provinces, etc, each under its own ruler
4. a country ruled by a body of five

Derived Forms

• penˈtarchical, adjective

Other Words From

• pentarch noun
• pen·tarchi·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pentarchy¹

From the Greek word pentarchía, dating back to 1580–90; pent-, -archy

Example Sentences

In 1846 Russia was the first power of Europe, and at a great distance ahead of all other members of the Pentarchy.

From Project Gutenberg

But, as in the Saxon times this country was an heptarchy, it is now a strange sort of pentarchy.

From Project Gutenberg