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 1790, 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 overlooked at pleasure. It was taken by the French in 1794. E. Long. 4° 31'. N. Lat. 50° 25'.