Duke
n.
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A leader; a chief; a prince. [Obs.]
Hannibal, duke of Carthage.
All were dukes once, who were “duces” -- captains or leaders of their people.
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In England, one of the highest order of nobility after princes and princesses of the royal blood and the four archbishops of England and Ireland.
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In some European countries, a sovereign prince, without the title of king.
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The fists; as, put up your dukes. [slang]
Phrases & Compounds
- Duke's coronet
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See Illust. of Coronet.
- To dine with Duke Humphrey
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to go without dinner. See under Dine.
Duke
v. i.
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To play the duke. [Poetic]
Lord Angelo dukes it well in his absence.
duke
v. t.
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To beat with the fists. [slang]
Phrases & Compounds
- to duke it out
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to fight; -- usually implying, to fight with the fists; to settle a dispute by fighting with the fists. See duke, n. sense 4.