howitzer

noun how·it·zer \ˈhau̇-ət-sər\

: a large gun that is used to fire shells high into the air for a short distance

Full Definition of HOWITZER

: a short cannon used to fire projectiles at medium muzzle velocities and with relatively high trajectories

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Dutch houwitser, ultimately from Czech houfnice ballista

First Known Use: 1695

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