Herzog 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 duke ranks below a
king and above a
count. Whether the title is deemed higher or lower than titles translated into English as "prince" (
Fürst) has depended upon the language, country and era in which the titles co-existed.