the most south-west province of France, is bounded by Guienne on the north, by Languedoc on the east, by the Pyrenees which separate it from Spain on the south, and by the bay of Biscay on the west. It had its name from the ancient inhabitants, called Gascones, or Vascones; by the moderns Basques, or Vasques. After these were subdued by the Franks, they had for some time dukes of their own, who were subject to the dukes of Aquitaine; but both were at last dispossessed by the kings of France. The country produces corn, wine, fruits, &c. The inhabitants are noted for a corrupt pronunciation; and their tendency to exaggerate their own exploits, has rendered Gasconade a proverbial expression.