in Architecture, a magnificent kind of decoration, serving as a hood or cover above an altar, throne, tribunal, pulpit, &c. The word is formed from σκαρπεῖον, a net spread over a bed to keep off the gnats, from σκάρπη, a gnat.

Canopies are also borne over the head in processions. The canopy of an altar is more peculiarly called ciborium.