Duce

Duce is an Italian word meaning "leader" (derived from Latin dux of the same meaning).

Related Topics:
Italian - Latin

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As early as 1923, Italian prime minister Benito Mussolini adopted the name Il Duce, as his de facto title in an attempt to elevate himself to a position as the nation's unquestioned supreme leader. It was similar to German Chancellor Adolf Hitler's title as "Führer" of Germany, although unlike Mussolini, Hitler actually made Führer a post in the German government.

Related Topics:
Prime minister - Benito Mussolini - Adolf Hitler - Führer

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Other Italian 'leaders' whose names derive from dux are the Doges of Venice and Genoa, and the title of nobility duca ('duke').

Related Topics:
Doge - Venice - Genoa

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