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DictionaryRoot: -alis
Latin

-alis

of, relating to

Forms

  • -alis
  • -aris — Latin variant especially used when the stem already contained l, avoiding a repeated l sound.
  • -al — English ending borrowed through French or directly from Latin.
  • -ar — English ending continuing Latin -aris.

Origin

An older Latin adjective-forming suffix; its more remote ancestry is uncertain.

Note

Expresses a relationship without specifying its kind: material, place, purpose, and other connections are possible.

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adjective

ducal

DOO-kul/ˈduːkl/

Relating to a duke or a duke's territory.

The ducal coronet bears strawberry-leaf ornaments above its band.

An isolated British ducal coronet, distinguished by its strawberry-leaf ornaments and absence of royal arches, resting on a small cushion.
Etymology
ducLatinleader or commander
+alLatinof, relating to

Latin dux meant “leader” and became the title “duke.” With the relational ending, ducal describes what belongs to or concerns someone holding that rank, including a duchess.

In context

Switching Lives6:38
Dukes sat close enough to the crown that many royal family members held ducal titles themselves
Your Life As Every Level Of European Nobility

More examples

  • The letter bears the ducal seal.
  • Several villages lie within the ducal territory.
  • The eldest son inherits the ducal title.

Forms

ducal

duke noun — A nobleman of the highest hereditary rank.

duchy noun — A territory ruled by a duke.

Similar words

princely
Relates to a prince rather than to a duke.
royal
Relates to a king or queen, not a duke.