[VICE- Cf. It. vicereggente.] One who acts in place of a regent.
In some early instances perh. an error for vice-gerent.
1556. Acc. Ld. High Treas. Scot., X. 315. To ane boy rynnand … to Dunkell witht clois writtingis of the viceregentis.
1581. Marbeck, Bk. Notes, 842. Who doubteth then, but if the Pope bee Vicar to the Prince of this world, he is Viceregent to the Diuell.
1669. Dryden, Tyrannic Love, III. i. But Monarchs are the Gods Viceregents here.
1827. Scott, Surg. Dau., xii. The Nawaub has placed his young son, Tippoo, as Vice-Regent of his newly-conquered territory of Bangalore.
1889. W. Wilson, State, § 104 (1893), 67. The five Ephors … were originally mere deputies of the kings, appointed … to act as vice-regents in the absence of their royal principals.
transf. 1660. Marq. Worcester, Water-Comm. Engine (1663), 15. A Viceregent or Countervail supplying the place and performing the full force of a Man, Wind, Beast or Mill.
