BITCHE, a town and fortress of France, department of
Moselle, and capital of a canton of the same name. It stands in a pass of the Vosges, and the citadel occupies the summit of an almost inaccessible rock in the centre of the town. It mounts 80 pieces of cannon, and is regarded as almost impregnable. It has manufactures of earthenware, with extensive glass-works in the vicinity. Pop. 3131.