an arrondissement of the department of the Vienne, in France, which extends over 460 square miles. It is divided into six cantons, and these into sixty-three communes, which contain 46,500 inhabitants. The chief city, which gives name to the department, is situated on the river Vienne, a little above the spot to which it is navigable. It contains 1575 houses; and 8183 inhabitants, many of whom are occupied in making cutlery goods, and some in linen and woollen manufactures, but the former have lately declined. Long. 0. 36. 59. E. Lat. 46. 49. 6. N.