duchy
Americannoun
-
duchies
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
A red alert level for "extreme thermal stress" has been extended in the grand duchy until Saturday night.
From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026
In this competition, Philip understood that wine, with the trade revenue and prestige it brought to him and his duchy, was a most valuable currency.
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2024
Scatterings of Gamay survived in reduced form, with many of its vines exiled to Beaujolais, an area south of the duchy.
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2024
But the duchy denies such unclaimed money goes to private royal funds.
From BBC ● Nov. 24, 2023
No one, not even Mother, crossed her in the duchy of her kitchen.
From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
In the 16th century rulers across Europe introduced new laws to make sorcery punishable by death—and the trials moved from ecclesiastical to secular courts, such as in duchies and towns.
From Scientific American ● May 31, 2023
He voluntarily paid income tax, but the royal duchies, unlike other businesses and landed estates in Britain, are exempt from corporate and capital gains taxes.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 28, 2023
The Queen and Prince Charles voluntarily pay tax on the profits from the duchies.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2022
Together, the two duchies bankroll more than a dozen members of the family, supplementing a taxpayer grant of 82 million pounds last year reserved for official duties and the upkeep of several palaces.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 26, 2020
Lex Saxonum.—Germany comprised two other duchies, Saxony and Frisia, of each of which we possess a text of law.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 7 "Geoponici" to "Germany" by Various
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