a large market-town of Belgium, in the province of West Flanders and circle of Ypres. It stands on the river Schipper, and contains two churches, 1400 houses, and 9080 inhabitants, who are employed in making linen and woollen cloths, and thread-lace, and have several oil mills. It is celebrated for the growth of hops on the land around it, which is a valuable part of its trade.