pentarchy

[pen-tahr-kee]

noun

plural

pentarchies 

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

Other Word Forms

• pentarch noun
• pentarchical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pentarchy¹

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

Example Sentences

A fifth of the Canadian sketch pentarchy “The Kids in the Hall,” which had a glorious HBO show in the late ’80s and early ’90s, he has since made a peripatetic career of guest spots, writing gigs, voice-over work and teaching.

From New York Times

He seems to have contemplated the entire overthrow of the pentarchy and the union of all the provinces under one sole king, namely, himself.

From Project Gutenberg

Pentarchy, pen′t�r-ki, n. government by five persons.

From Project Gutenberg

The Pentarchy is dissolved; the Holy Alliance, which, however defective or open to abuse, was one form of political order, is buried; the right of might prevails in Europe.

From Project Gutenberg

Europe has almost consolidated into a pentarchy.

From Project Gutenberg