valance
valance Lexical Profile
valance Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A short piece of decorative drapery, wood, or metal hung across the top of a window to conceal the curtain fittings, or around the frame of a bed or table to reach toward the floor.
"She hung a floral linen valance across the top of the kitchen window to soften the morning light."
• verb
To furnish, decorate, or drape with a decorative border or hanging drapery.
"The interior designer decided to valance the tall bay windows with pleated velvet."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'valance' (a decorative drapery hanging above a window or around a bed) with its homophone 'valence' (the combining capacity of an atom in chemistry or a psychological value).
• Rhymes for valance
Word Origin & Etymology
Dating back to the late 15th century, the word originates from Anglo-French 'valance', likely a shortening of Old French 'avalance' (descent), from 'avaler' (to descend or hang down), or possibly named after the textile center of Valence in southeastern France.