Belgiumn.

Etymology: < Belgium (Dutch België , French Belgique ), the name of a region and later a country in the lowlands of north-west Europe (see note) < classical Latin Belgium , the name of the territory inhabited by the Belgae, in post-classical Latin also denoting the Low Countries (1566 or earlier) < the name of the Belgae (see Belgae n.) + -ium -y suffix⁴. With attributive uses (see especially sense 1) compare similar earlier uses of Belgian adj. With Belgium draught horse n. at sense 2 compare earlier Belgian horse at Belgian adj. 2. The name Belgium and related words appear from the 16th cent. in several European languages, including English, as a name for the southern regions of the Low Countries, both historical and contemporary, often in contrast with Batavia , similarly used for the northern regions (see Batavian adj.). These names were adopted by the inhabitants of the respective regions at the time of the Low Countries' struggle for independence from Spain in the second half of the 16th cent. (during which the southern regions remained loyal). During the conflicts following the French Revolution, both names were again used politically (with Belgium compare quot. 1797). In the Versailles Treaty (1815) the southern provinces were incorporated into the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, from which they gained independence as the Kingdom of Belgium in 1830. Compare the following examples of the name in English contexts (in quot. 1586 with reference to the Belgic confession; compare Belgic adj. 2):1586 tr. J. F. Salvart Harmony Confessions Faith sig. ¶¶ iiij^v The confession of Belgia [L. Belgica] was published in french in the name of al the Churches of Belgia [L. Belgicarum Ecclesiarum], in the yere 1566. and in the yere 1579. in a pubilque [sic] Synode helde at Belgium [L. Belgii Synodo], it was repeated, confirmed, and turned into the Belgian tongue [L. Belgice].1614 R. Boothe tr. M. Von Isselt Relation of Matters passed in France & Low-Countries 10 Sending their letters to the Archduke Albert, to the Elector of Collen, & to the Estates of the vnited Prouinces of Belgium, requested them that they would haue no hand in this busines.1797 Parl. Reg. 1797–1802 I. 550 Belgium, (to use this word,) by belonging to France, would remove what had been the source of all wars for two centuries past.1914 Times 9 Dec. 4/3 Around Belgium is a ring of steel.2011 C. DeBenedetti Great Amer. Ale Trail 355 Flanders Brown, a sour tasting beer originating from the Flemish region of Belgium.The less common form Belgia is found slightly earlier (in quot. 1565 with reference to the territory of the ancient Belgae). This form is not attested in classical Latin, but was perhaps formed after other names of regions in -ia , e.g. classical Latin Britannia (see Britannia n.) and Germānia : see German n.):1565 A. Golding in tr. Caesar Martiall Exploytes in Gallia i. f. 1^v (margin) Belgia the low countries of Germany, from Treuorse & Mens to Flaunders & those partes.1590 E. Daunce Briefe Disc. Spanish State 12 It bred such Antiphisicall effects, by tearing the vnion of Belgia, and renting our peace, that [etc.].1706 R. Blackmore Advice to Poets (ed. 2) 4 The Muse forsaking fair Britannia's Thames, Attends the Chief to Danaw 's noble Streams. She pass'd the German Sea, and Belgia's Soil, To sing Immortal Deeds, and Blenheims glorious Toil.1897 M. G. Currie John St. John & Anna Grey 36 The bride that then in satin or in lace of Belgia stood Pale and pensive by her mirror.