archduchy

noun

arch·​duchy (ˌ)ärch-ˈdə-chē How to pronounce archduchy (audio)
: the territory of an archduke or archduchess

Word History

Etymology

French archiduché, from Middle French archeduché, from arche- arch- + duché duchy

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of archduchy was in 1680

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Archduchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/archduchy. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

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