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 Trouilli, by which the country about it may be overflowed at pleasure. It has been lately taken by the armies of the French Republic.

E. Long. 3° 39'. N. Lat. 50° 25'.

Mons Sacer, (anc. geog.), a mountain of the Sabines beyond the Anio, to the east of Rome; whither the common people retired once and again to avoid the tyranny of the patricians. From this secession, and the altar of Jupiter Terribilis erected there, the mountain took its name.