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dukes

British  
/ djuːks /

plural noun

  1. slang the fists (esp in the phrase put your dukes up )

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of dukes

C19: from Duke of Yorks rhyming slang for forks (fingers)

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.

The continued disclosures about the former duke’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein have caused embarrassment to both the monarchy and Downing Street.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

The foundation said it was "unable to comment on the charges, which relate to the duke's personal conduct and private life, and which are subject to live, criminal proceedings".

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

But in doing so, the duke's legal team argued that Ravec did not properly re-assess the threats he faced when considering his situation in 2020.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025

That decision meant the duke's security remained outside the automatic, high level of protection which is provided for senior royals.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025

But while some of the council members had also voiced their disapproval, the majority seemed to think the duke’s strategy to be a sound one.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

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