plunging fire

American  

noun

Military.

1. artillery or other fire that strikes the ground at a steep angle, as from high ground overlooking the target or from a weapon fired at a high angle of elevation.

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Etymology

Origin of plunging fire

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

This meant it had less armour than a battleship, particularly horizontal armour against plunging fire - shells coming down from on high at a long range.

From BBC

Faced with the threat of so-called plunging fire, soldiers have adjusted routines to carry out most tasks at night, apart from sporadic daytime patrols and manning a trio of guard towers where guns angle up to point high into the rocks above.

From Reuters

Scott rapidly forming his men under the plunging fire of these, shouted, "Forward!" and began to scale the ascent.

From Project Gutenberg

In spite of all the threats and expostulations of the governor, the garrison, galled by this plunging fire, at once capitulated.

From Project Gutenberg

As Rodes approached he was threatened by Buford’s cavalry, but, finding cover under woodland, he made advance by three brigades in line till he came to the point of view which gave him command of that end of the field in elevated position, and in plunging fire down Robinson’s line and in advance of the divisions sent by General Howard to occupy that point.

From Project Gutenberg