valance

Meaning

1. A short curtain that usually hangs along the top edge of a window.
2. A decorative framework used to conceal the curtain mechanism and so on at the top of a window.
3. A short, decorative edging of cloth that hangs from a bed, from beneath the mattress to the floor, used to conceal the box spring or space under the bed and prevent dust from accumulating there.
4. A short, decorative edging of cloth that conceals the legs of a couch, sofa, etc.
5. A low-hanging auto body panel, below a front or rear bumper, whose purpose is aerodynamic and decorative but not structural (often valance panel).
6. The drooping edging of the lid of a trunk, which covers the joint when the lid is closed.

Synonyms

pelmet

cornice

valance board

kappa

valence

kaph

fringe

Translations

saçak

γύρος κρεβατιού

lambrequin

cenefa

farbala

perdeli

corniche

frange

الستارة

mantovana

dosser

sanefa

κουρτινάκι

doselera

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈvæləns/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: valance

In summary

From Middle English valance, valans, valaunce, valence, valons. Origin uncertain. Probably from Anglo-Norman valaunce, valence, from valer (“go down, let down”), aphetic form of Old French avaler (“to descend, go down”).