Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang Voume I (A-G) The Only Historical Dictionary of Slang, Spanning Three Hundred Years of Slang Use in America J.E. Lighter, Editor 1994, p. 672

duke n. a. A hand or (usu. pl.) fist…. 1859 Matsel Vocab. 28:Dukes. The hand. [Pugilists' slang] Dukes The hands. ca 1859 Chamberlain My Confession 8: I… landed a stinger on his "potatoe trap" with my left "duke" drawing the "Claret" and "sending him to grass."

The usage in regard to fists continues for 24 more references.

Well done Misophist.. the first reference made in the above Matselreferenc is indeed to fortune-telling/palm-reading. The glossary of Brandon Poverty 1839 notes Dookin fortune-telling The Oxford English Dictionary II 21: 1865 To shake hands with in welcome or congratulation. The foremost to "duke" me upon entering was Squib Dixon.

Other usages include: hand-of-cards, method of swindling, a fight decision, to bungle or botch something completely, to hand something over, dressed up, and introduction, deal in, brawl,

Your Humble Servant,
Gargoyle