Definition of: canopy

(kan′ə·pē) noun plural ·pies
1. A covering suspended over a throne, bed, shrine, or the like, or held over a person in a procession.
2. Any covering overhead, as the arch of the sky.
3. An ornamental feature covering a niche, or an altar or tomb, or placed over a statue.
4. Aeron. a The main lifting surface of a parachute, whose unfolding reduces the velocity of descent. b The semicircular sliding panel enclosing the cockpit cowling of an airplane.
—v.t. ·pied, ·py·ing To cover with or as with a canopy. [<F canapé sofa <L canopeum mosquito net <Gk. kōnōpeion bed with mosquito net <kōnōps mosquito]