triarchy

American  

[trahy-ahr-kee] / ˈtraɪ ɑr ki /

noun

plural

triarchies

1. government by three persons.

2. a set of three joint rulers; a triumvirate.

3. a country divided into three governments.

4. a group of three countries or districts, each under its own ruler.

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triarchy British  

/ ˈtraɪɑːkɪ /

noun

1. government by three people; a triumvirate

2. a country ruled by three people

3. an association of three territories each governed by its own ruler

4. any of the three such territories

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Etymology

Origin of triarchy

First recorded in 1595–1605, triarchy is from the Greek word triarchía triumvirate. See tri-, -archy

Example Sentences

After presenting 15 ballets in six performances at Sadler's Wells, the triarchy established itself as the most explosive event in British ballet since Martha Graham's London debut in 1954.

From Time Magazine Archive