HOWITZ

, or Howitzer, in Artillery, a kind of mortar, or something between a cannon and mortar, partaking of the nature of both, being either a very short gun or a long mortar. It is of German invention, and is mounted upon a carriage like a travelling guncarriage, with its trunnions placed nearly in the middle. The Howitz is one of the most useful kinds of ordnance, as it can be employed occasionally either as a cannon or mortar, discharging either shells or grape shot, as well as balls, and so doing great execution. They are also very easily travelled about from place to place.