an arrondissement of the department of the Lower Charente, in France, extending over 282 square miles. It comprehends seven cantons, divided into fifty-five communes, and in 1836 contained 78,797 inhabitants. The capital is the city of the same name, the seat of the departmental government and of the courts of law. It is on the sea-shore, is strongly fortified, and has a convenient and secure harbour defended by two forts. It is the seat of a bishop, has a cathedral, one Protestant and five Catholic churches, and in the year 1836 had 14,857 inhabitants, who are traders in wine, brandy, salt, and other domestic products, and in all kinds of colonial articles. It is celebrated for its long siege when held by the Protestants in 1628, which was continued for thirteen months, and was attended with dreadful sufferings. Long. 1. 14. 17. W. Lat. 46. 9. 33. N.