POLOTZK, a town of European Russia, in the government of Vitebsk, on both sides of the Polota, at its confluence with the Dina, 60 miles W.N.W. of Vitebsk. It is surrounded by fortifications, and has a ruined castle and numerous churches and convents. The most remarkable building is the college and beautiful church that formerly belonged to the Jesuits, but now to the Piarists. An active trade is carried on in flour, hemp, and other produce of the country; and annual markets are held, which are much frequented. Polotzk is a very ancient town; it existed as early as the time of Rurik, the founder of the Russian power. Battles were fought here in July and October 1812 between the French and the Russians. On the former occasion the French were successful, and took possession of the town; but on the 20th of October it was stormed and retaken by the Russians. Pop. (1851) 11,131.