herzog

Herzog (.mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%}pronounced [ˈhɛʁtsoːk] ; feminine Herzogin [ˈhɛʁtsoːɡɪn] ; masculine plural Herzöge; feminine plural Herzoginnen) is a German hereditary title held by one who rules a territorial duchy, exercises feudal authority over an estate called a duchy, or possesses a right by law or tradition to be referred to by the ducal title. The word is usually translated by the English duke and the Latin dux. Generally, a Herzog ranks below a king and above a Graf ('count'). Whether the title is deemed higher or lower than titles translated into English as prince (Fürst) is dependent upon the language, country, and era in which the titles coexisted.

Herzog is not related to Herz (lit. 'heart'), but is derived from the Middle High German Her- meaning 'army' and -zog meaning 'to move' or 'to pull' (related to the modern English verb tug), a military leader (compare to Slavic voivode). Her and zog are roots of the modern German words Heer and ziehen of the same meanings (also: in die Schlacht ziehen, 'to go into battle'). It may have originated from the Proto-Germanic Harjatugô, a warrior who was elected to be a battle leader by their tribes. Thus, Herzog was a title borne by Germanic warriors who exercised military authority over a tribe by general acclaim among its members or warriors, especially in the stem duchies.