The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Awning \Awn"ing\ ([add]n"[i^]ng), n. [Origin uncertain: cf. F.
   auvent awing, or Pers. [=a]wan, [=a]wang, anything suspended,
   or LG. havening a place sheltered from wind and weather, E.
   haven.]
   1. A rooflike cover, usually of canvas, extended over or
      before any place as a shelter from the sun, rain, or wind.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Naut.) That part of the poop deck which is continued
      forward beyond the bulkhead of the cabin.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

awning
    n 1: a canopy made of canvas to shelter people or things from
         rain or sun [syn: awning, sunshade, sunblind]