Definition of viceroy
1 : the governor of a country or province who rules as the representative of a king or sovereign
2 or viceroy butterfly : a showy North American nymphalid butterfly (Limenitis archippus) closely mimicking the monarch in coloration but smaller
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Origin and Etymology of viceroy
Middle French vice-roi, from vice- + roi king, from Old French rei, roi, from Latin reg-, rex
First Known Use: 1524
Other Government and Politics Terms
VICEROY Defined for English Language Learners
viceroy
playDefinition of viceroy for English Language Learners
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: a person sent by a king or queen to rule a colony in the past
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See words that rhyme with viceroy Spanish Central: Translation of viceroy Nglish: Translation of viceroy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of viceroy for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about viceroy
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