noun
archduchy
ARCH-duh-chee
Archduchy (noun) means the territory or principality ruled by an archduke. Example: “The archduchy was governed by an archduke and his court.”
noun
1
The territory or principality ruled by an archduke.
"The archduchy was governed by an archduke and his court."
"Old maps show the archduchy divided into several districts."
"The archduchy eventually became part of a larger kingdom."
How to use archduchy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe land ruled by an archduke.
When to use it
A historical and formal term, mostly seen in writing about European history.
Memory tip
Archduchy relates to archduke in the same way that duchy relates to duke.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
duchy →
archdukedom
Common pairings
ruler of the archduchy
the former archduchy
borders of the archduchy
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The _____ was governed by an archduke and his court.
Etymology
Archduchy comes from French, where archi-, meaning arch- or chief, was added to duché, meaning duchy. Duché in turn goes back to the Latin word for a leader or duke.
Rhymes for archduchy
See all rhymes for archduchy →Frequently asked questions
What is an archduchy?
An archduchy is the territory or principality ruled by an archduke.
What is the difference between an archduchy and a duchy?
The prefix arch- marks a higher rank, so an archduchy is ruled by an archduke rather than an ordinary duke.
Who rules an archduchy?
An archduke rules an archduchy.
What is the meaning of archduchy?
"archduchy" (noun) means the territory or principality ruled by an archduke.
