a town of Belgium, capital of a canton in the province of West Flanders, 11 miles S.W. of Bruges. It has a fine church, a town-hall, several schools, and benevolent institutions. Linen, hats, leather, cordage, earthenware, soap, tobacco, and other goods are made here. In the vicinity are the remains of an old castle, once the residence of the Counts of Flanders. Pop. 8405.