soffit Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the underside of a part of a building (such as an arch or overhang or beam etc.)

WordNet

Sof"fit noun
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  1. (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 1913