a small but strong town of the Dutch Low Countries, in the county of Flanders, with a good harbour and sluices. The English besieged it in vain in 1405, and the people of Bruges in 1436. But the Dutch, commanded by Count Maurice of Nassau, took it in 1644. It is defended by several forts, and stands near the sea. E. Long. 3. 10. N. Lat. 50. 25.