trench mortar

American  

noun

1. a portable, muzzle-loaded mortar, usually having a smooth bore, fired at high angles of elevation to reach concealed enemy targets.

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trench mortar British  

noun

1. a portable mortar used in trench warfare to shoot projectiles at a high trajectory over a short range

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Etymology

Origin of trench mortar

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

We were listening intently to the audio version of Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms,” and the rental car almost swerved off the road when Frederic Henry got hit by a trench mortar shell.

From Washington Post

“He’s all right. It was a big trench mortar shell.”

From Literature

Only the day before the Germans had been active with trench mortars, and he couldn't understand why they were sulking now.

From Project Gutenberg

We had also captured 142 guns, some 350 machine guns, and 70 trench mortars, with great quantities of ammunition, material, and stores of all kinds.

From Project Gutenberg

We have also supplied large numbers of heavy guns and trench mortars to our Allies in different theatres of war.

From Project Gutenberg