a department of France, on a river of the same name, which runs at the foot of a branch of the Cevennes Mountains. It extends over 365 square leagues, and contains a population of 254,550 persons. It is composed of a part of the ancient province of Bourbonnois, and of that of Moulins. It is divided into four circles or arrondissements, viz. Mount Lucon, Moulins, Gannat, and Palise.