a fortified town of the French Netherlands, in the province of Hainault. It is divided into two parts by the river Scheld. It was taken by the French in 1676; and by the allies under the duke of Marlborough in 1711, which was the last military achievement of that great general; but the following year it was retaken by the French. E. Long. 3° 15'. N. Lat. 52° 17'.

**BOUCHE** or **court**, the privilege of having meat and drink at court foot-free. The word is also written **bouge**, **bouge**, and **budge**; it is mere French, where it signifies mouth.—The French still use the phrase, *Avoir bouche à la cour*; that is, to have table or diet at court. This privilege is sometimes only extended to bread, beer, and wine; it was a custom anciently in use, as well in the houses of noblemen as in the king's court. Thomas earl of Lancaster retained Sir John de Ewre, to serve him with ten men at arms in time of war, allowing them **bouge of court**, with livery of hay and oats, horse-shoes and nails. Sir Hugh Merril had the same privilege for life, on condition of serving King Edward II.