A young, minor, or insignificant duke; a duke of little importance or power, often used with a slightly mocking tone.
From 'duke' plus the diminutive suffix '-ling' (from Old English '-ling,' indicating something small or inferior). The suffix appears in 'duckling,' 'hireling,' and 'underling.'
The '-ling' suffix was historically used to mock or belittle—calling someone a 'dukeling' was like saying they had the title but none of the real power or respect of a true duke.
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