Meaning and Definition of Duke

Definition of Duke

The term Duke has been used to refer to a political office of noble origin, which meant some relationship with the military and political power throughout much of the history of Europe. A Duke was during the age of the average an individual in charge of a certain region or territory, to any feudal Lord, count or Knight but less than the King or monarch who banded under its power to that region and others. Later, the rank of Duke could be used to mark only high social status of a person regardless of their wealth or political power.
The word 'Duke' comes from the latin (dux), which means that that guide, going to the front. It is for this reason that the title of Duke was directly associated with military functions to be he who headed a squadron or troop. Traditionally, the positive results of a troop could have as a direct result delivery of benefits such as land and other luxuries who directed them, reason why the medieval Dukes had usually vast riches, power and lujosidades.
The position of Duke was one of the various positions that emerged during the rule of Rome and, especially, during the middle ages in Western Europe. Its main function was to the be in charge of a territory over which could have control not only military, but also political, administrative, judicial and economic. That territory remained under his power was thus known as the Duchy and, although it was not extremely common, they can also be found cases of women who fulfilled that role, which was called them duchesses (by inheritance).
It was not until the beginning of the 19th century in many European countries the Dukes began to lose their power to eliminate the feudal privileges after the French Revolution. So far, many Dukes could possess riches and power economic, although most only retained the title as a symbol of political and social power regardless of their heritage.