East, a province of Germany, in the circle of Westphalia, lying near the German ocean. It is bounded on the south by the bishopric of Munster, on the east by the country of Oldenburgh, on the west by the province of Groningen, and on the north by the sea, being about 50 miles in length, and 30 in breadth. It belonged to Prussia, but was ceded to Hanover in 1814. It is a very fertile country, and feeds a great number of cattle; but it was greatly damaged by an inundation in 1717, and the repair of the dykes cost an immense sum. The principal towns are Norden, Leer, Essens, Whitmunde, and Aurick. Emden was an imperial city, and the principal place in the country. The inhabitants are Calvinists, with a few Catholics and Baptists.