Pokerlee Fm
Early-attested site in the Parish of Henfield
Historical Forms
- Pokerle 1327 SR 1373 SRS31,105 1380 LibE
- Pokerlye 1332 SR 1343 LewesDeeds
Etymology
Pokerlee Fm gave name to the family of Pokerle (1327 SR, 1373 SRS 31, 105, 1380LibE ) and Pokerlye (1332 SR, 1343Lewes Deeds ). It has its parallel in Pokerley (PN NbDu 158) with the same range of forms, though the Durham name is rather older.There it was suggested that the first element might be the word poker , 'hobgoblin, bugbear.' If that word is however of Scandinavian origin, as suggested in NEDs. v. , then it is not very likely we should find it in Sussex in the 14th cent. Alternatively pokere may mean one who has to do with a poke or bag, who carries such.