an arrondissement in the department of the Charente, in France, 363 square miles in extent. It contains six cantons, divided into eighty-eight communes, and has a population of 44,967 persons. The chief place of the same name, is situated in a rich district on the left bank of the Charente, celebrated for its excellent brandy. It contains 503 houses and 2827 inhabitants. It is in long. 0. 25. 11. W. Lat. 45. 41. 49. N.