How'itz-er, n.

noun

(hou'its-er, 109), n. [Ger. haubitze. See HOBIT.] [Mil.] (a.) A gun so short that the projectile, which was hollow, could be put in its place by hand. [Obs.] (b.) A short, light cannon, having a chamber, intended to throw large projectiles with comparatively small charges.

A sectional illustration of a howitzer showing its barrel, breech, and internal projectile. — Howitzer.