The doge was the head of the Republic of Venice — main articles: The Doge and Doges of Venice.
“Doge” from the Lessico Veneto (1851) by Fabio Mutinelli, translated by René Seindal.
“Dose” from the Dizionario del Dialetto Veneziano by Giuseppe Boerio.
The doge was the elected head of the Venetian Republic. He was elected for life by an arcane process that also included drawing lots.