Doge (title)

A doge ( , Italian:; plural dogi or doges; see below) was an elected lord and head of state in several Italiancity-states, notably Venice and Genoa, during the medieval and Renaissance periods. Such states were referred to as crowned republics. Doges wore a special hat, the corno ducale, and usually ruled for life.

The office of the doge in English is termed a dogeship.