Definition of duchess

The word "duchess" comes from the Old French word "duchesse" which in turn comes from the Old High German word "dux" meaning "a duke's wife." In Old High German, the word "dux" referred to the wife of a duke. In Old French, the word "duchesse" was used to refer to the wife of a duke, following the Old High German usage. The word "duchess" was derived from the Old French word "duchesse" and ultimately from the Old High German word "dux." Over time, the meaning of "duchess" remained consistent to describe the wife of a duke. However, the title "duchess" has also been used to refer to a woman who holds the title of duchess in her own right, rather than as the wife of a duke. Today, "duchess" is still used to describe the wife of a duke or a woman who holds the title of duchess in her own right. In summary, the word "duchess" originated in Old High German from the word "dux," which means "a duke's wife." Its original meaning referred to the wife of a duke, but its meaning has since remained consistent to describe either the wife of a duke or a woman who holds the title of duchess in her own right.