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Webster 1913 Edition
Soffit
Sof′fit
,Noun.
[It.
soffitta
, soffitto
, fr. soffiggere
to hide, properly, to fix or fasten under, L. suffigere
to fasten beneath or below; sub
under, beneath + figere
to fix, faste: cf. F. soffite
.] (Arch.)
The under side of the subordinate parts and members of buildings, such as staircases, entablatures, archways, cornices, or the like. See Illust. of
Lintel
. Webster 1828 Edition
Soffit
SOF'FIT
,Noun.
1.
In architecture, any timber ceiling formed of cross beams, the compartments of which are enriched with sculpture, painting or gilding.2.
The under side of face of an architrave, enriched with compartment of roses.