a decayed seaport, borough, and market-town of England, county of Cornwall, at the mouth of a small river of the same name, 11 miles S.S.E. of Bodmin. The town is surrounded by scenery of great beauty, but it is irregularly built, and the streets are very narrow and full of angles. The inhabitants are engaged chiefly in the catching and curing of pilchards. The harbour is safe and commodious, and is defended by an ancient and two modern forts. Previous to the Reform Act by which it was disfranchised, it returned two members to parliament. This town became famous in the old French wars, and in 1347 sent 37 tall ships to the siege of Calais. It was burned by the French in 1457. Pop. of parish (1851) 1606.