an arrondissement in the department of Manche, or of the Channel, in France, extending over 325 square miles, and comprehending seven cantons and 122 communes, with 94,676 inhabitants. The capital is a city of the same name, on the river Merderet. It contains 1050 houses, and 7112 inhabitants, employed chiefly in making woollen and linen goods, and gloves. Near it have been discovered some Roman antiquities, especially the ruins of an amphitheatre. Long. 1. 34. W. Lat. 49. 30. N.