a town of Bavaria, in the circle of Middle Franconia, on a river of the same name, an affluent of the Regnitz, 10 miles S.W. of Nuremberg. It is a well-built old town, encircled by walls, and entered by four gates. In the market-place is a handsome fountain erected in 1716. The Gothic parish church is interesting, and contains some valuable old paintings. There are various other places of worship and schools, a town-hall, and several hospitals. Manufacturing industry is actively carried on, especially that of needles, of which it is the principal seat, not only in Germany, but probably in Europe. There are produced weekly 4,000,000 of ordinary needles, and 100,000 English darning, packing, and other needles. There are also made here hosiery, gold and silver lace, &c. This place is memorable in the history of the Lutheran Church. At Schwabach the earliest Protestant confession was drawn up by Luther in 1529. Pop. 7000, many of whom are Jews.