Policies

[David Myer]

I came across a use of the word Policies today and have no idea what it means in this context - even after some work on the internet. Can anyone help?

There are about 40 acres of policies including the renowned walled garden, where, in addition to the Castle there are two gate lodges (West and New) and three further estate houses and cottages.

Apparently Brechin Castle in Scotland is for sale (only three million pounds) and it has these policies....?

Here's the fuller context https://search.savills.com/property-det ... uedr190005

[Slava]

According to thefreedictionary: 3. (often plural) Scot the improved grounds surrounding a country house

https://www.thefreedictionary.com/policies

Also in Collins: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dicti ... h/policies

Now, as to why, they don't say.

[David Myer]

Well researched, Slava. The key question as you have identified is "Why?"

What did you think of the castle? At three million pounds it looks like a steal. Maybe we could encourage other word fans to enter a syndicate and buy the place. 16 bedrooms... And 40 acres of policies.

Don't look at the climate figures for Dundee though. They must have waited years to get the right weather for the photos.

David

[Slava]

Aha! If we go with the idea that Scots is using the Middle French form in the plural, then the singular would be policie, meaning rule, law, regulation. Then policies would be those lands over which the manor held sway.

Here's where I came up with this: https://etymologeek.com/eng/policy/10590586