Canopy

The branches and leaves (or needles) of tree crowns in a forest. There can be several layers of canopy, each layer being a microhabitat for differing species of canopy dwellers such as birds, insects, epiphytes, or primates.

Modern skydiving canopies make use of ram-air technology.

Can"o*py (?), n.; pl. Canopies (#). [Oe. canopie, F. canop'esofa, Of canop'ee, canopeu, canopieu, canopy, vail, pavilion (cf. It. canepecanopy, sofa), LL. canopeum a bed with mosquito curtains, fr. Gr. , fr. gnat, cone + face. See Cone, and Optic.]

1.

A covering fixed over a bed, dais, or the like, or carried on poles over an exalted personage or a sacred object, etc. chiefly as a mark of honor.

Dryden.

2. Arch. (a)

An ornamental projection, over a door, window, niche, etc.

Also, a roofike covering, supported on pilars over an altar, a statue, a fountain, etc.

© Webster 1913.

Can"o*py, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Canopes (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Canopying.]

To cover with, or as with, a canopy.

Milton.

© Webster 1913.