an island of the Low Countries, and one of the principal of those of Zealand; separated from Dutch Flanders by the mouth of the Scheldt. It is about nine miles in length, and eight in breadth; and though it lies low, has good arable and pasture land. The chief town of this island and the whole province is Middleburgh. But the principal sea port is Flushing, which is strongly fortified. Walcheren was taken by the British forces in August 1809; but it soon after was abandoned, the troops having suffered severely by sickness.