a small district of Germany, in the circle of Lower Saxony. It lies between the duchies of Lüneburg and Brunswick; and may be about 25 miles from east to west, and 36 from north to south. It is watered by the rivers Leine and Innerste. The soil is fertile; and its principal places are Peine, Sarstedt, Bruggen, and Alved. Hildesheim, from whence it takes its name, was formerly an imperial city. It is now subject to Hanover.

a strong city of Germany, in Lower Saxony, with a Roman Catholic bishop's see. It was a free imperial city, though in some things dependent on the bishop, but is now stript of its privileges. It is a large town, well built and fortified. It is divided into the Old Town and the New, which have each their separate council. It is seated on the river Irneste, in E. Long. 10° 0' N. Lat. 52° 17'.