VALANCE

cornice, valance, valance board, pelmet

(noun) a decorative framework to conceal curtain fixtures at the top of a window casing

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

valance (plural valances)

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.

(bedding) A short, decorative edging of cloth that hangs from the mattress to the floor.

The drooping edging of the lid of a trunk, which covers the joint when the lid is closed.

Synonyms

• (bedding): dust ruffle, bedskirt

Source: Wiktionary


Val"ance, n. Etym: [Perhaps fr. OF. avalant descending, hanging down, p. pr. of avaler to go down, let down, descent (cf. Avalanche); but probably from the town of Valence in France.]

1. Hanging drapery for a bed, couch, window, or the like, especially that which hangs around a bedstead, from the bed to the floor. [Written also valence.] Valance of Venice gold in needlework. Shak.

2. The drooping edging of the lid of a trunk. which covers the joint when the lid is closed.

Val"ance, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Valanced; p. pr. & vb. n. Valancing.]

Definition: To furnish with a valance; to decorate with hangings or drapery. His old fringed chair valanced around with party-colored worsted bobs. Sterne.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Coffee Trivia

The word “coffee” entered the English language in 1582 via the Dutch “koffie,” borrowed from the Ottoman Turkish “kahve,” borrowed in turn from the Arabic “qahwah.” The Arabic word qahwah was traditionally held to refer to a type of wine.

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