Coalternation

/ˌkoʊæltərˈneɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The act or process of alternating together; a system in which parties or individuals take turns sharing responsibility or power.

Etymology

Co- (together) + alternation (Latin alternatio). Formed by adding -tion (noun suffix) to coalternate. An exceedingly rare technical term from medieval and early modern political theory.

Kelly Says

Medieval rulers sometimes had 'coalternation' agreements where they'd literally take turns ruling the same territory on different days—it sounds absurd but was actually an attempt at peaceful power-sharing!

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