duchy

American  

[duhch-ee] / ˈdʌtʃ i /

noun

duchies plural

1. the territory ruled by a duke or duchess.

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duchy British  

/ ˈdʌtʃɪ /

noun

1. the territory of a duke or duchess; dukedom

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• duchies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of duchy

1350–1400; Middle English duche < Middle French duche; Anglo-French, Old French duchié < Medieval Latin ducātus; Late Latin, Latin: the rank or functions of a dux; see duke, -ate ³

Explanation

If you are a duke or a duchess, the country or territory you rule is called a duchy. England's Prince Charles is the current Duke of Cornwall and symbolically reigns over a duchy that includes Cornwall and the surrounding area. The term duchy is mainly historical and almost always refers to European territories. Over the years, many dukes and duchesses have ruled over duchies, while others have maintained honorary titles without any real power. Grand duchies were small, sovereign countries ruled by a grand duke or grand duchess. Today, the only remaining grand duchy is Luxembourg, symbolically ruled by Grand Duke Henri, who has limited governmental powers.