duchess

[duhch-is]

noun

1. the wife or widow of a duke.

2. a woman who holds in her own right the sovereignty or titles of a duchy.

duchess

/ ˈdʌtʃɪs /

noun

1. the wife or widow of a duke

2. a woman who holds the rank of duke in her own right

verb

1. informal,  to overwhelm with flattering attention

Gender Note

See -ess.

Other Word Forms

• duchesslike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of duchess¹

1300–50; Middle English duchesse < Anglo-French, Old French, feminine derivative of duc duke; -ess

Word History and Origins

Origin of duchess¹

C14: from Old French duchesse, feminine of duc _duke

Example Sentences

The coffin of the duchess was brought to the cathedral on Monday, draped in the royal standard and with white roses among the flowers, in honour of the duchess' Yorkshire roots.

From BBC

The hearse had brought the coffin, draped in the royal standard, from Kensington Palace where the duchess died aged 92 earlier this month, with a piper playing as the hearse left.

From BBC

The duchess supported music charities and taught music at a Hull primary school, where pupils knew nothing of the royal background of "Mrs Kent".

From BBC

The couple's new role demanded plenty of travel, and the duchess began to feel the strain.

From BBC

The duchess, Katharine, was the oldest member of the Royal Family, married to Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

From BBC

Related Words

• czar 
• emperor 
• king 
• monarch 
• shah 
• sultan