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DUKE, d[=u]k, _n._ the highest order of nobility next below that of
_prince_: (_B._) a chieftain: on the Continent, a sovereign prince.--_ns._
DUKE'DOM, the title, rank, or territories of a duke; DUKE'LING, a petty
duke; DUK'ERY, a duke's territory or seat; DUKE'SHIP.--THE DUKERIES, a
group of ducal seats in Nottinghamshire. [O. Fr. _duc_--L. _dux_, _ducis_,
a leader--_duc[)e]re_, to lead.]
DULCAMARA, dul-ka-m[=a]'ra, _n._ a name for the Bittersweet (q.v.). [Formed
from L. _dulcis_, sweet, _amara_, bitter.]
DULCET, duls'et, _adj._ sweet to the taste, or to the ear: melodious,
harmonious.--_n._ DULCIFIC[=A]'TION.--_adj._ DULCIF'LUOUS, flowing
sweetly.--_v.t._ DUL'CIFY, to make sweet.--_ns._ DULCIL'OQUY, a soft manner
of speaking; DUL'CITE, DUL'CITOL, DUL'COSE, a saccharine substance derived
from various plants--in its crude form, _Madagascar manna_; DUL'CITUDE,
sweetness.--DULCIFIED SPIRIT, a compound of alcohol with mineral acid. [O.
Fr. _doucet_, dim. of _dols_ (Fr. _doux_)--L. _dulcis_, sweet.]
DULCIMER, dul'si-m[.e]r, _n._ a musical instrument resembling a flat box,
with sounding-board and bridges, across which run wires tuned by pegs at
the sides, and played on by striking the wires with a small piece of wood
in each hand, or more usually with two cork-headed hammers: a Jewish
musical instrument, according to Gesenius, a double pipe with a bag. [Sp.
_dulcemele_--L. _dulce melos_, a sweet song--_dulcis_, sweet; _melos_ = Gr.
_melos_, a song.]
DULCINEA, dul-sin'[=e]-a, or dul-sin-[=e]'a, _n._ sweetheart. [From
_Dulcinea_ del Toboso, the name given by Don Quixote to the mistress of his
imagination.]