Duchy
noun
A area of land controlled by a duke or a duchess.
The duchy of Lancaster is owned by the British royal family.
Often appears as...
- duchy of cornwall
- duchy of lancaster
noun
The title or position of a duke or a duchess.
Upon his father's death, he inherited the duchy.
Often appears as...
- inherit a duchy
- ascend to the duchy
Usage tips
Legal
noun
A area of land controlled by a duke or a duchess.
The duchy of Lancaster is owned by the British royal family.
Often appears as...
- duchy of cornwall
- duchy of lancaster
noun
The title or position of a duke or a duchess.
Upon his father's death, he inherited the duchy.
Often appears as...
- inherit a duchy
- ascend to the duchy
Usage tips
Legal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Monarchy Ties
A duchy often has historical significance and links to the royal family.
The duchy of Cornwall provides income for the Prince of Wales.
Pro Tip 2/3Not a Country
Do not confuse a duchy with a country; it's a subdivision, usually within a country.
Though the duchy of Luxembourg existed, it eventually became a separate country.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural References
Duchies are prominent in historical and fantasy literature, often symbolizing wealth or power.
In the novel, the hero travels to a duchy to seek an audience with the duke.
Compare with
domaindominionfiefprincipalityprovinceregionstateterritory
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