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:
The duchy has its roots in medieval, feudal land ownership, but it has been having something of an image make-over, with an emphasis on social value, such as providing affordable housing and protecting the environment.
From BBC ● May 18, 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 a spokeswoman for the duchy says that none of the unclaimed money following a death goes to the private income known as the "privy purse".
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
The King and William receive the profits from the duchies personally, and can spend the money as they wish.
From BBC ● Feb. 6, 2024
Each own vast amounts of property through duchies that generate millions in profit.
From New York Times ● Jun. 29, 2023
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
“Stuff like having fewer people on the balcony — it’s all around the edges. The Sovereign Grant and the duchies are the meat of the issue.”
From Washington Post ● Apr. 28, 2023
The two powers, on the false pretence that the right of Christian IX. to the succession to the duchies was involved, forced Denmark, which stood alone, to surrender Slesvig-Holstein and Lauenburg.
From Ten Years Near the German Frontier A Retrospect and a Warning by Maurice Francis Egan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
