ILMINSTER, a market-town of Somersetshire, on the Ille, an affluent of the Parret, 10 miles S.E. of Taunton. It consists of two streets, one of which extends nearly a mile from E. to W., and is crossed by the other at right angles. The parish church is a large cruciform edifice with a square embattled and pinnacled tower. Ilminster possesses a well endowed grammar school, with four exhibitions at Oxford. Some woollen cloth, lace, and silk manufactures are carried on. Market-day, Wednesday. Pop. of parish (1851) 3299.