Origin and history of awning

"movable roof-like covering of canvas for a window, etc., as a protection from the sun's rays," 1624, a word of uncertain origin (first recorded use is by Capt. John Smith), perhaps from French auvans, plural of auvent "a sloping roof," "itself of doubtful etym[ology]" (OED). A nautical term only until the sense of "cover for windows or porch" emerged 1852.