Dictionary

valance

noun va·lance \ˈva-lən(t)s, ˈvā-\

: a short piece of cloth or a wooden or metal frame that is placed across the top of a window for decoration

: a piece of material that hangs loosely from the frame of a bed or along a table or shelf for decoration

Full Definition of VALANCE

1
:  a drapery hung along the edge of a bed, table, altar, canopy, or shelf
2
:  a short drapery or wood or metal frame used as a decorative heading to conceal the top of curtains and fixtures
va·lanced \-lən(t)st\ adjective
ADVERTISEMENT

Illustration of VALANCE

Origin of VALANCE

Middle English valaunce, from Anglo-French valence, probably from valer to lower — more at vail
First Known Use: 15th century

Other Household Terms

cruet, curiosity, duvet, fiasco, sham, taper, whatnot

Rhymes with VALANCE

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: ValdensesPrevious Word in the Dictionary: valAll Words Near: valance
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears