Definition

Noun: 1. A chief magistrate in the former republics of Venice and Genoa: The "doge" was the elected head of state in the historical Italian maritime republics, most notably Venice and Genoa. The position was typically held for life and was the highest political office in the republic, combining ceremonial, judicial, and military authority.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Doge of Venice resided in the magnificent Doge's Palace.
  • The election of a new doge was a complex and highly ceremonial process.
  • Historians study the political power of the Genoese doge in the 16th century.

Advanced Usage

• "to be elected doge": to be chosen for the office of doge.
  • After a long political career, he was finally elected doge.
• "the reign of the doge": the period during which a specific doge held power.
  • The reign of Doge Francesco Foscari was marked by territorial expansion.

Variants and Related Words

• Dogate (n, also Dogeship): The office, term, or jurisdiction of a doge.
  • His dogate was a period of relative peace and prosperity.
• Dogaressa (n): The wife of a doge.
  • The dogaressa played an important ceremonial role in Venetian society.

Synonyms

• Chief magistrate
• Elected head of state (in the context of the historical republics)
• Duke (in a very broad, analogous sense, though the roles were distinct)

Related Phrases

• "Doge's Palace": The palace in Venice that served as the residence of the doge and the seat of government.
  • The Doge's Palace is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
• "Doge of Venice/Genoa": The specific title used, often capitalized.
  • The most famous Doge of Venice is perhaps Enrico Dandolo.

Noun

1. formerly the chief magistrate in the republics of Venice and Genoa