POICTOU, a province of France, bounded on the north by Bretagne, Anjou, and part of Touraine; on the east by Touraine, Berry, and Manche; on the south by Angoumois, Saintonge, and the territory of Aunis; and on the west by the sea of Gacony. It is divided into the Upper and Lower; and is fertile in corn and wine, and feeds a great number of cattle, particularly mules. It was in possession of the kings of England for a considerable time, till it was lost by the unfortunate Henry VI. Poictiers is the capital town.
Colic of Poictou. See MEDICINE, No 303.