MINDEN (the principality of), in Germany, lies in the circle of Westphalia, to the north of the county of Ravensberg, and along each side of the river Weser. It is about 22 miles square, and Minden and Peterstagen are the principal places. It was formerly a bishopric, but is now secularized; and was ceded to the elector of Brandenburg by the treaty of Westphalia.