MAUBEUGE, a town of France, department of Nord, is situated on the Sambre, not far from the frontiers of Belgium. The town is well fortified, the defences being by the famous Vauban; and it has a manufactory of arms, founded by Louis XIV. in 1704. Maubeuge also has manufactures of ironmongery, cutlery, soap, &c.; and a considerable trade in coal, marble, and slates. The town traces its origin back to the seventh century, when an abbey was founded here by St Aldegonde. Situated near the frontier, this town has been an object of great contention, and has been taken no less than ten times since the fifteenth century, and finally by the Allies in 1815. Pop. 7328.