an arrondissement of the department of Charente, in France, extending over 400 square miles, and comprehending six cantons and eighty-seven communes, with 56,557 inhabitants. The town from which it takes its name is in a mountainous situation. Pop. in 1851, 3516. It is famous for its truffled capons. Long. 0. 11. W. Lat. 45. Barbeziex 29. N.