a very strong sea-port town of the Netherlands, in Austrian Flanders, with a good harbour, and a magnificent town-house. It is not very large, but is very well fortified. This place was taken by the Dutch in 1706, but restored to the emperor in 1723; when an East India company was established here, but entirely suppressed by treaty in 1731. It was taken by the French in August 1745, after ten days siege; but rendered back by the treaty of Aix la Chapelle. E. Long. 2. 48. N. Lat. 51. 17.