duchy Definition
- 1a territory ruled by a duke or duchess
- 2the rank or office of a duke or duchess
Using duchy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "duchy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate owned by the eldest son of the British monarch.
Example
The Duke of Wellington was granted a duchy in Spain after his victory over Napoleon.
Example
The duchy was divided into several smaller territories after the death of the last duke.
duchy Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for duchy
Phrases with duchy
Example
The Duchy of Lancaster is responsible for managing the Queen's private estate.
Example
Luxembourg is a small European country that is also a grand duchy.
a former duchy in northern France, which was conquered by the Normans and later became part of England
Example
William the Conqueror was the Duke of Normandy before he became King of England.
Origins of duchy
from Old French 'duc', from Latin 'dux', meaning 'leader'
Summary: duchy in Brief
The term 'duchy' [ˈdʌtʃi] refers to a territory ruled by a duke or duchess, or the rank or office of a duke or duchess. It is often used in historical contexts, such as 'The Duke of Wellington was granted a duchy in Spain after his victory over Napoleon.' 'Duchy' can also refer to specific territories, like the 'duchy of Lancaster,' which is a royal duchy in England.