pentarchy

noun

pen·​tar·​chy ˈpen-ˌtär-kē How to pronounce pentarchy (audio)
: a group of five countries or districts each under its own ruler or government

Word History

Etymology

Greek pentarchia, from penta- + -archia -archy

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pentarchy was circa 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Pentarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pentarchy. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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