an arrondissement of the department of the Oise, in France, extending over 694 square miles, comprehending twelve cantons and 244 communes, and containing 130,263 inhabitants. The chief city, of the same name, is in a beautiful situation on the river Therain; it contains 2900 houses, and 12,791 inhabitants, employed in making various articles in wool, flax, cotton, and earthenware, and elegant carpets. Long. 1. 51. 52. E. Lat. 49. 26. 2. N.