amongst our Saxon ancestors, signified the same with dukes or duces, denoting the commanders or leaders of their armies.

It appears, from the laws of Edward the Confessor, that the military force of this kingdom was in the hands of the dukes or heretochs, who were constituted through every province and county in the kingdom, being selected from the principal nobility, and such as were most remarkable for being sapientes, fidèles, et animosi. Their duty was to regulate and command the English armies; and because of their great power, they were elected by the people in their full assembly, or folkmote, in the same manner as sheriffs were elected.