Main Entry: va·lance

Pronunciation: \ˈva-lən(t)s, ˈvā-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English valaunce, from Anglo-French valence, probably from valer to lower — more at vail

Date: 15th century

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

[valance illustration]