a considerable town of Germany in the circle of Westphalia; and capital of a territory of the same name; seated on the river Weser, which renders it a trading-place. It belongs to the king of Prussia, who has secularized the bishopric. It is 27 miles east-by-south of Osnaburg, and 37 west of Hanover. E. Long. 9. 5. N. Lat. 52. 22.

(the principality of), in Germany, lies in the circle of Westphalia, to the north of the county of Ravensberg, and along each side of the river Weser. It is about 22 miles square, and Minden and Petershagen are the principal places. It was formerly a bishopric, but is now secularized; and was ceded to the elector of Brandenburg by the treaty of Westphalia.