Co*lum"bi*ad (?), n. [From Columbia the United States.] Mil.
A form of seacoast cannon; a long, chambered gun designed for throwing shot or shells with heavy charges of powder, at high angles of elevation.
⇒ Since the War of 1812 the Columbiad has been much modified form now used in seacoast defense is often called the Rodman gun.
© Webster 1913.