pöllichen

Pöllichen is a term that appears in historical German texts, often referring to a type of small farmstead or dwelling. It is generally understood to describe a modest rural property, less substantial than a full farm but more than just a single house. The exact size and function of a pöllichen could vary regionally and over time, but it typically involved a dwelling and some land for cultivation or animal husbandry.

The word itself is believed to derive from Old High German roots related to "place" or "plot." In some contexts, a pöllichen might have been occupied by a craftsman, a retired farmer, or a family with limited land resources. The term suggests a self-sufficient, albeit small, unit. Historical records sometimes use "pöllichen" to distinguish these smaller holdings from larger manors or estates.

While the term is not commonly used in modern German, its presence in historical documents offers insight into the social and economic structures of rural communities in past centuries. Understanding the meaning of "pöllichen" helps scholars interpret land ownership patterns and the living conditions of various social strata in historical Germany.