duchy
n. C1 Advanced US //ˈdətʃi// UK //dˈʌtʃi// duchy
n. a large area of land that belongs to a duke. It is a high rank in some countries, like the UK, and the land is usually ruled by the duke.
n. a territory or estate belonging to a duke, typically a high-ranking noble title in the British peerage system.
The duke lives in his large duchy.
The historical duchy was divided into several smaller counties after the king decided to change the borders.
While the title of duke is largely symbolic in modern constitutional monarchies, the duchy still holds significant land and property rights that generate substantial income for the holder.
From Middle English duche, from Anglo-Norman duché, from Old French duc, or from Medieval Latin ducātus, from Latin dux. Doublet of ducat.