noun
archduchess
arch-DUCH-us/ˌɑːrtʃˈdʌtʃəs/
A woman holding the rank of archduke or married to an archduke.
The portrait shows the archduchess wearing formal court dress.
Etymology
The “chief” prefix raises the feminine ducal title to an exceptional noble rank. Initially naming an archduke’s wife, the word later commonly designated a princess of Austria’s reigning family.
In context
A certain Archduchess who was at Saint Moritz and was curious to see her adopted the simple plan of asking her to tea without knowing her
More examples
- The archduchess received visitors at the palace.
- Several archduchesses appear in the family genealogy.
- The museum displays letters written by the archduchess.
Forms
archduchess · archduchesses
Similar words
- duchess
- A different noble title without the archducal rank.