MÆSTRICHT, an ancient, large, and strong town of the Netherlands, ceded to the Dutch by the treaty of Munster. The town-house and the other public buildings are handsome, and the place is about four miles in circumference, and strongly fortified. It is governed jointly by the Dutch and the bishop of Liege; however, it has a Dutch garrison. The inhabitants are noted for making excellent fire-arms, and some say that in the arsenal there are arms sufficient for a whole army. Both Papists and Protestants are allowed the free exercise of their religion, and the magistrates are composed of both. It is seated on the river Maeve, which separates it from Wyck, and with which it communicates by a handsome bridge. Mæstricht revolted from the Spaniards in 1570, but was reduced in 1579. Lewis XIV. became master of it in 1673; but it was restored to the states by the treaty of Nimeguen in 1678. E. Long. 5. 50. N. Lat. 51. 5.