soffit, n. [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.].
The under side of the subordinate parts and members of buildings, such as staircases, entablatures, archways, cornices, or the like. See
Illust. of
Lintel. [
1913 Webster]