a considerable town of Germany, in the circle of Westphalia; and capital of a territory of the same name; seated on the river Weser, which renders it a trading place. It formerly belonged to the king of Prussia, who secularized the bishoprick. It is 27 miles east by south of Osnaburg, and 37 west of Hanover. E. Long. 9. 5. N. Lat. 52. 22.

Minden (the principality of), in Germany, lies in the circle of Westphalia, to the north of the county of Ravensburg, and along each side of the river Weser. It is about 22 miles square, and Minden and Petershagen are the principal places. It was formerly a bishopric, but is now secularized; was afterwards ceded to the elector of Brandenburg, and is now annexed to the new kingdom of Westphalia.