an arrondissement of the department of Ille et Vilaine, in France, extending over 577 square miles, and containing ten cantons, seventy-eight communes, and 123,400 inhabitants. The capital is the city of the same name, situated at the junction of the two rivers which give name to the department. It is the seat of the departmental government, as it was of that of the province of Normandy in former times. It stands on a fine plain, and, excepting the suburbs, is well built; the parade being one of the finest squares in France. It has a cathedral and eight other churches, a fine exchange, 4000 houses, and 31,200 inhabitants. There are extensive linen manufactures, especially of sail-cloth for the royal navy. Cottons are made and printed, and many stockings are woven. Many of the inhabitants are employed in building, equipping, and navigating vessels. Long. 1. 45. 7. W. Lat. 43. 6. 50. N.