a rooflike shelter of canvas or other material extending over a doorway, from the top of a window, over a deck, etc., in order to provide protection, as from the sun.
1624, origin uncertain (first recorded use is by Capt. John Smith), perhaps from M.Fr. auvans pl. of auvent "a sloping roof." Nautical term until sense of "cover for windows or porch" emerged 1852.