from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Duke \Duke\ (d[=u]k), n. [F. duc, fr. L. dux, ducis, leader,
commander, fr. ducere to lead; akin to AS. te['o]n to draw;
cf. AS. heretoga (here army) an army leader, general, G.
herzog duke. See {Tue}, and cf. {Doge}, {Duchess}, {Ducat},
{Duct}, {Adduce}, {Deduct}.]
1. A leader; a chief; a prince. [Obs.]
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Hannibal, duke of Carthage. --Sir T.
Elyot.
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All were dukes once, who were "duces" -- captains or
leaders of their people. --Trench.
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2. In England, one of the highest order of nobility after
princes and princesses of the royal blood and the four
archbishops of England and Ireland.
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3. In some European countries, a sovereign prince, without
the title of king.
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4. pl. The fists; as, put up your dukes. [slang]
[PJC]
{Duke's coronet}. See Illust. of {Coronet}.
{To dine with Duke Humphrey}, to go without dinner. See under
{Dine}.
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