noun
- A small market town or borough, especially in France or other European countries.
Usage: Chiefly historical or geographical; often used in place names (e.g., Strasbourg).; From French; may appear in English historical or travel contexts.
Examples
- The medieval bourg was surrounded by defensive walls.
- Many French bourgs developed around castles or monasteries.
- Strasbourg is a major city that grew from a small bourg.
- The bourg served as a trading center for the surrounding countryside.
- Historic bourgs in Europe often retain their original street layouts.