a strong town of the United Provinces in Holland, seated at the head of the canals of the province. The foundations of it were laid by William of Bavaria, in 1350. It was taken by the Spaniards in 1572, and by the French in 1672; but it was retaken by the prince of Orange the next year. It stands at the south end of the Zuider Zee, in E. Long. 5. N. Lat. 51. 22.