or LEMESTER, a province of Ireland, called in Latin Lagena, bounded by Ulster on the north, by Connaught and Munster on the west and south-west, and by the sea on the south and east. The Shannon separates it from Connaught, and the Suir from a part of Munster. Its length from north to south amounts to about 112 miles; its breadth from east to west 70; and its circumference, including the windings and turnings, to 360 miles. It contains 12 counties, viz. Louth, East-Meath, West-Meath, Longford, Dublin, Kildare, King's-county, Queen's-county, Wicklow, Catherlogh, Kilkenny, and Wexford; 90 baronies, one archbishopric, three bishoprics, 926 parishes, 47 parliamentary boroughs, and 63 market-towns and places of trade. Leinster in general is very well cultivated, enjoys a good air and soil, and abounds in corn, cattle, fish, and fowl. Its principal rivers are the Boyne, Barrow, Liffey, Nore, Slane, or Urrin, and the May; of which the first is famous for the victory obtained on its banks by king William over king James, and gives title of viscount to a family of the name of Hamilton. The bog of Allen, the largest in the kingdom, extends almost across the whole province from east to west, the turf of which is universally esteemed the best in Ireland. This province, formerly governed by petty kings of its own, is now the most populous in the kingdom, containing the capital and seat of government. The inhabitants are also the most polite, and, in general, as zealous Protestants as any in the British dominions. Leinster gives the title of duke to the family of Fitzgerald, formerly earls of Kildare.