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 soil, on the rivers Haine and Trouilli, by which the country about it may be overflowed at pleasure. It was taken by the French in 1794. E. Long. 4. 31. N. Lat. 50. 25.