Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Kritarchy \Kri"tarch*y\ (kr[imac]"t[aum]rk*[tcr]), n. [Gr.
   krith`s judge + 'archh` beginning, government.]
   The rule of the judges over Israel.

         Samson, Jephthah, Gideon, and other heroes of the
         kritarchy.                               --Southey.