Main Entry: ¹cor·nice

Pronunciation: \ˈkȯr-nəs, -nish\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle French, from Italian, frame, cornice, from Latin cornic-, cornix crow; akin to Greek korax raven — more at raven

Date: 1563

1 a : the molded and projecting horizontal member that crowns an architectural composition — see column illustration b : a top course that crowns a wall
2 : a decorative band of metal or wood used to conceal curtain fixtures
3 : an overhanging mass of windblown snow or ice usually on a ridge

[cornice illustration]