CANOPY (Lat. canopeum; Gr. kimirption, from kiiirops, gnat or mosquito). The derivation of this word throws a curious light on its original meaning, which probably was a mosquito curtain. The simplest form of C., in this its primitive sense, is that mentioned by Herodotus (ii. 95), who tells us that the fishermen on the Nile were in the habit of suspending the net with which they had fished during the day on an upright pole, from which it was expanded into the form of a tent, and served to protect them from the attacks of insects during the night. As it has been proved that insects will not pass through the meshes of a net, though wide enough to admit them, it is probable that this simple contrivance may have been quite effectual for the purpose for which it was used. Horace (Epod. ix. 9), and others of the ancient writers, mention gnat-curtains (canopea). Subsquently, the same term came to be used for the projecting covering and hangings of a bed, without reference to their original use, and latterly for any projecting covering of a similar form, to whatever use it might be adapted, or whatever materials it might be formed. C. is thus used to signify the covering which is borne over the heads of kings and other persons of distinction, and still more frequently over the holy sacrament and the image of Christ, in processions in Roman Catholic coun tries. See BALDACHIN.
In Gothic architecture, C. is the term applied to those rich coverings which are frequently met with over niches and tombs, and sometimes over doors and windows. It belongs chiefly to the decorated and perpendicular styles, though it was not unknown much earlier. The C. consists of a roof which may be supported on pillars all round, or may have one, or if in an angle tiro, sides attached to the wall, with dependent ornamental work representing drapery. The early English canopies are usually simple in form; those in French buildings of the same period being greatly more complicated and elaborate, as, for example, those in the cathedrals of Chartres and Bayeux. In the decorated style, the canopies were richly ornamented and very various in form. Some canopies are ornamented by pinnacles supporting smaller canopies, the whole term hinting in a structure resembling a small turret, or crocketed spire. In the perpen dicular style, though more varied in form, the canopies resemble those in the decorated. Most of the cathedrals and larger churches of England furnish examples of canopies, many of which are enumerated in Parker's Glossary of Architecture. For the use of canopies in Italian architecture, see BALDACHIN.