(in Continental Europe) the male ruler of a duchy; the sovereign of a small state.

a British nobleman holding the highest hereditary title outside the royal family, ranking immediately below a prince and above a marquis; a member of the highest rank of the British peerage. Compare royal duke.

a nobleman of corresponding rank in certain other countries.

a cultivated hybrid of the sweet and sour cherry.

dukes, Slang . fists; hands

Put up your dukes.

Slang . to hit or thrash with the fists (sometimes fol. by out )

He duked me because he said I had insulted him. The bully said he was going to duke out anyone who disagreed.

duke it out, to fight

esp. with the fists; do battle

The adversaries were prepared to duke it out in the alley.