/how"it seuhr/ , n. Ordn.
a cannon having a comparatively short barrel, used esp. for firing shells at a high angle of elevation, as for reaching a target behind cover or in a trench.
[ 1685-95; earlier hauwitzer houvietser, equiv. to houviets- ( Haubitze, MHG haufnitz houfnice slingshot) + -er -ER 1 ]