[a. OF. archeduc, now archiduc:—Merovingian L. archidūc-em, c. 750: see ARCH- 1 and DUKE.]
The chief duke: formerly title of the rulers of Austrasia, Lorraine, Brabant, and Austria, being assumed by those of Austria in 1359; now titular dignity of sons of the Emperor of Austria.
1530. Palsgr., 195/1. Archeduke, archeduc.
1602. Carew, Cornwall, 151 (J.). Philip, Arch-duke of Austriche … was weather-driuen into Weymouth.
1800. Coleridge, Own Times, II. 353. Attempts are made at Vienna, to reconcile the Archduke and Suwarrow.
