a medieval duchy of W Europe: divided between the Netherlands and Belgium in 1839
2.
a province of the SE Netherlands: contains a coalfield and industrial centres. Capital: Maastricht. Pop: 1 142 000 (2003 est). Area: 2253 sq km (809 sq miles)
3.
a province of NE Belgium: contains the industrial regions of the Kempen coalfield.Capital: Hasselt. Pop: 805 786 (2004 est). Area: 2422 sq km (935 sq miles)