valance

Meaning

Noun

• A short curtain that usually hangs along the top edge of a window.
• A decorative framework used to conceal the curtain mechanism and so on at the top of a window.
• A short, decorative edging of cloth that hangs from beneath the mattress to the floor used to conceal the boxspring or space under the bed and prevent dust from accumulating there.
• A short, decorative edging of cloth that conceals the legs of a couch, sofa, etc.
• The drooping edging of the lid of a trunk, which covers the joint when the lid is closed.

Related

Similar words

• dust ruffle, bedskirt, bed ruffle

Origin

• Origin uncertain. Probably from Anglo-Norman valaunce, valence, from valer, aphetic form of Old French avaler ("to descend, go down").