duke

The word “duke” means a male ruler of a duchy, or a nobleman holding the highest rank below a prince. In plain terms, a high-ranking nobleman — or, in slang, a fist (as in "put up your dukes") or a payment handed over.

“Duke” is pronounced jook (/dʒuːk/ in IPA).

Here is “duke” used in a sentence: “The duke inherited the estate from his late father.”

Depending on how it is used, “duke” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “duke” comes from Latin. From Old French duc, from Latin dux, "leader." The slang sense meaning "fist" is thought to come from Cockney rhyming slang: "Duke of York" for "fork," itself old slang for "hand.".

“Duke” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Duke” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a male ruler of a duchy, or a nobleman holding the highest rank below a prince.

A prince outranks a duke. A prince is usually a member of a royal family, often in line to a throne, while a duke holds the highest rank of nobility below a prince. Some dukes are royal (a royal duke), but the title itself sits one step under prince.

A duchess. She is either a woman who rules a duchy in her own right or, more commonly, the wife or widow of a duke. The territory associated with the title is called a duchy, and a duchess shares her husband's high rank within the nobility.

From highest to lowest, the five ranks of the British peerage are duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron. Duke is the most senior, making it the closest rank to royalty. Each rank has a female equivalent, such as duchess, marchioness, and countess.

A duke is formally addressed as 'Your Grace' rather than 'Your Highness,' which is reserved for royalty. In writing he may be styled 'The Duke of' followed by his territory. In casual reference, people simply call him 'the Duke.'