a town of France, capital of the department of Ardennes, is situated on the Meuse, which here, making a bend in its course, nearly surrounds the town; 120 miles N.E. of Paris, and 80 N.W. of Metz. The town is ill built. Its chief importance is derived from the strength of its position and fortifications, which consist of walls, a citadel, and other defences, by Vauban. The principal building is a Gothic church of the fifteenth century, remarkable for its handsome portals and curious bas-reliefs. There are also several other churches, an hospital, town-hall, theatre, arsenal, and other buildings. The manufactures consist of leather and cutlery; and the trade, which is inconsiderable, is chiefly in linen and woollen stuffs, and leather. Mezieres was besieged in 1521 by Charles V. with 20,000 men, and was about to be abandoned and destroyed by Francis I. when the Chevalier Bayard offered to take the command, and to hold the town against the emperor. His offer having been accepted, with only 2000 men he successfully resisted for six weeks the army of Charles. Bombs are said to have been first used in this siege. In 1815 Mezieres held out for two months against the Prussians, but was at length obliged to capitulate. Pop. (1851) 3970.