Lischke (settlement)

Lischke (lisca, liske[1]) was a type of Old Prussian settlement.

Lischkes were spontaneously grown settlements in geographically strategic places, so that often they have grown into towns.

The population was mainly innkeepers, craftsmen and merchants.

[2][3] The word entered German language during the invasion of Teutonic Knights into the lands of Old (Baltic) Prussians and is derived from Old Prussian liscis / liskis, which in this context means "camp".

[2] The direct meaning of the word, common to Baltic languages, is "nest",[4] and in German the word "Lischke" also retained in the meaning of a basket without wooden handle worn on a cord over shoulder.