Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Valance"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Valance \Val"ance\, n. [Perhaps fr. OF. avalant descending,
hanging down, p. pr. of avaler to go down, let down, descent
(cf. {Avalanche}); but probably from the town of Valence in
France.]
1. Hanging drapery for a bed, couch, window, or the like,
especially that which hangs around a bedstead, from the
bed to the floor. [Written also {valence}.]
Valance of Venice gold in needlework. --Shak.
2. The drooping edging of the lid of a trunk. which covers
the joint when the lid is closed.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Valance \Val"ance\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Valanced}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Valancing}.]
To furnish with a valance; to decorate with hangings or
drapery.
His old fringed chair valanced around with
party-colored worsted bobs. --Sterne.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
valance
n : a decorative framework to conceal curtain fixtures at the
top of a window casing [syn: {cornice}, {valance board},
{pelmet}]
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