Herzog

(; feminine ; masculine plural ; feminine plural ) is a German hereditary title held by one who rules a territorial duchy, exercises feudal authority over an estate called a duchy, or possesses a right by law or tradition to be referred to by the ducal title. The word is usually translated by the English duke and the Latin dux. Generally, a ranks below a king and above a ('count'). Whether the title is deemed higher or lower than titles translated into English as prince () is dependent upon the language, country, and era in which the titles coexisted.

==History== is not related to (), but is derived from the Middle High German meaning 'army' and meaning 'to move' or 'to pull' (related to the modern English verb tug), a military leader (compare to Slavic voivode). and are roots of the modern German words and of the same meanings (also: , 'to go into battle'). It may have originated from the Proto-Germanic Harjatugô, a warrior who was elected to be a battle leader by their tribes. Thus, was a title borne by Germanic warriors who exercised military authority over a tribe by general acclaim among its members or warriors, especially in the stem duchies.