\Ar*te"sian\, a. [F. art['e]sien, fr. Artois in France,
where many such wells have been made since the middle of the
last century.]
Of or pertaining to Artois (anciently called Artesium), in
France.
{Artesian wells}, wells made by boring into the earth till
   the instrument reaches water, which, from internal
   pressure, flows spontaneously like a fountain. They are
   usually of small diameter and often of great depth.