HILDESHEIM, a small district of Germany, in the circle of Lower Saxony. It lies between the duchies of Lunenburg and Brunswick; and may be about 25 miles from east to west, and 36 from north to south. It is watered by the rivers Leine and Innerste. The soil is fertile; and its principal places are Peine, Sarsted, Braggen, and Alveld. Hildesheim, from whence it takes its name, is governed as an imperial city. Its bishop is now elector of Cologne.