valance

noun

Etymology: From Middle English valance, valans, valaunce, valence, valons. Origin uncertain. Probably from Anglo-Norman valaunce, valence, from valer (“go down, let down”), aphetic form of Old French avaler (“to descend, go down”).

1. A short curtain that usually hangs along the top edge of a window.

   “Even the mantelpiece is adorned with a totally unfunctional tasselled valance rather like an altar frontal.”

2. A decorative framework used to conceal the curtain mechanism and so on at the top of a window.
3. A short, decorative edging of cloth that hangs from a bed, from beneath the mattress to the floor, used to conceal the box spring or space under the bed and prevent dust from accumulating there.
4. A short, decorative edging of cloth that conceals the legs of a couch, sofa, etc.

   “Mortally insulted, Jasper went under the couch, where he remained with only his nose showing beneath the valance, emitting little world-weary groans at intervals, and refusing to come out for cake.”

5. A low-hanging auto body panel, below a front or rear bumper, whose purpose is aerodynamic and decorative but not structural (often valance panel).
6. The drooping edging of the lid of a trunk, which covers the joint when the lid is closed.