dukes

/ djuːks /

plural noun

1. slang.
   the fists (esp in the phrase put your dukes up )

Word History and Origins

Origin of dukes¹

C19: from Duke of Yorks rhyming slang for forks (fingers)

Example Sentences

He said Myers illness was physically obvious but as soon as the cameras started rolling "he'd have his dukes up, ready for a scrap".

From BBC

The quality time leads to a beautifully still scene where deep in the dunes, Chani tells Paul, “Your blood comes from dukes and great houses. Here, everyone is equal.”

From Salon

Over the centuries, the dukes and duchesses of Alba have distinguished themselves in various ways.

From New York Times

He was the descendant of hereditary French dukes and counts going back three centuries.

From New York Times

The unwritten NHL “code” states that when a player seeks retribution for such a hit, the offending player is obligated to put up his dukes and take whatever’s coming.

From Seattle Times