duke

duke · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A male holding the highest hereditary title in the British and certain other peerage systems.

  2. 2.

    A sovereign prince ruling a duchy.

  3. 3.

    (Slang, usually plural) Fists.

  4. 4.

    (Informal) To fight using fists.

Forms

plural: dukes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    duke it out — To fight or compete intensely
  • •
    put up your dukes — To prepare to fight
  • •
    the Duke — Nickname for jazz musician Duke Ellington

Related words

See also: duchess, earl, prince
Synonyms: aristocrat, nobleman, peer

Etymology

From Old French duc, from Latin dux ("leader"), from ducere ("to lead").