false overhang

hewn overhang

In an early timber-framed house, the modest projection of an upper story beyond the story immediately below it, usually no more than a few inches. A heavy timber post extended from the foundation of the house to the upper story; this post was hewn away from just below the upper story down to the groundsill, thereby creating the appearance of an upper story slightly overhanging the lower one. Compare with framed overhang.