an ancient, large, handsome, rich, and very strong city of the Austrian Netherlands, in Hainault. There is a chapter, consisting of 30 ladies of distinction, who have the liberty of leaving the community when they intend to marry. They have several manufactures, and a good trade. It was taken by the allies in 1709, and by the French in July 1746; but rendered back by the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, after the fortifications were demolished. It stands partly on a hill and partly on a plain, in a marshy foil, on the rivers Haine and Trouille, by which the country about it may be overflowed when they please. E. Lon. 3. 39. N. Lat. 50. 25.