duchess

== English == === Alternative forms === dutchess (archaic) === Etymology === From Middle English duchesse, from Old French duchesse. Doublet of duchesse. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈdʌt͡ʃɪs/, /ˈdʌt͡ʃəs/ === Noun === duchess (plural duchesses) The wife or widow of a duke. The female ruler of a duchy. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== duchesse lace, duchesse duchesse potatoes ==== Translations ==== === Verb === duchess (third-person singular simple present duchesses, present participle duchessing, simple past and past participle duchessed) (Australia, informal) to court or curry favour for political or business advantage; to flatter obsequiously.