from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Artesian \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.
[1913 Webster]
{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.
[1913 Webster]