a county ofEEngland, on the North Sea and the Wash: mostly low-lying and fertile, with fenland around the Wash and hills (the Lincoln Wolds) in the east; one of the main agricultural counties of Great Britain: the geographical and ceremonial county includes the unitary authorities of North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire (both part of Humberside county from 1974 to 1996). Administrative centre: Lincoln. Pop (excluding unitary authorities): 665 300 (2003 est). Area (excluding unitary authorities): 5880sq km (2270 sq miles)