Duke

Derived from the Latin dux, meaning “a leader;” Arabic, “a sheik.” This word is used to denote the phylarch or chief of a tribe (Gen. 36:15-43; Ex. 15:15; 1 Chr. 1:51-54).

DUKE, in the English Bible, means only a chief or leader (an Oriental Sheikh), and must not be understood, in the modern sense, as a title of hereditary nobility. Gen 36:15-19.

DUKE, in the English Bible, means only a chief or leader (an Oriental Sheikh), and must not be understood, in the modern sense, as a title of hereditary nobility. Gen 36:15-19.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A leader; a chief; a prince. [Obs.] Hannibal, duke of Carthage. Sir T. Elyot. All were dukes once, who were "duces" -- captains or leaders of their people. Trench.

2. 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.

3. In some European countries, a sovereign prince, without the title of king. Duke's coronet. See Illust. of Coronet. -- To dine with Duke Humphrey, to go without dinner. See under Dine.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To play the duke. [Poetic] Lord Angelo dukes it well in his absence. Shak.