CONSTANCE, a strong town of Germany, in the circle of Suabia, now included in the grand duchy of Baden. It has a handsome bridge, and several fine structures, as well sacred as profane. It carries on a great trade, and is well fortified: but its population in 1810 amounted only to 4420. It is famous for a council held here in 1514, when there were three popes; but they were all deposed, and Martin V. was elected in their room. This council caused Jerome of Prague and John Huss to be burnt, though the emperor Sigismund had given them a safe-conduct; in pursuance of this maxim, "that no faith is to be kept with heretics." They likewise condemned the doctrine of Wickliffe, and ordered his bones to be burned 40 years after he was dead. However, the inhabitants now are Protestants. It is seated on a lake of the same name. E. Long. 9. 10. N. Lat. 47. 38.