Valance — Val ance, n. [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.] [1913 Webster] 1. Hanging drapery for a bed, couch, window, or the … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Valance — Val ance, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Valanced}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Valancing}.] To furnish with a valance; to decorate with hangings or drapery. [1913 Webster] His old fringed chair valanced around with party colored worsted bobs. Sterne. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
valance — (n.) piece of drapery, mid 15c., from Anglo Fr. *valance, from valer go down, variant of O.Fr. avaler; or possibly from the plural of O.Fr. avalant, from prp. of avaler go down. The notion is of something hanging down … Etymology dictionary
valance — valance, valence, valency A valance, pronounced val ǝns, is a short curtain round the edge of a canopy or bed. Valence and valency (both pronounced vayl , the first more common in AmE and the second in BrE) are terms in chemistry relating to the… … Modern English usage
valance — (also valence) ► NOUN 1) a length of decorative drapery attached to the canopy or frame of a bed to screen the structure or space beneath it. 2) a length of decorative drapery screening the curtain fittings above a window. DERIVATIVES valanced… … English terms dictionary
valance — [val′əns, vā′ləns] n. [ME, after ? VALENCE, center for textile manufacturing] 1. a short drapery or curtain hanging from the edge of a bed, shelf, table, etc., often to the floor 2. a short drapery or facing of wood or metal across the top of a… … English World dictionary
valance — A panel used to conceal structural detail or to provide extra protection. See rear corner valance rear quarter valance rear valance … Dictionary of automotive terms
valance — [[t]væ̱ləns[/t]] valances 1) N COUNT A valance is a piece of cloth that hangs down over the sides of a bed in order to make it look nice. 2) N COUNT A valance is a long narrow piece of wood or fabric which is fitted at the top of a window for… … English dictionary
valance — UK [ˈvæləns] / US [ˈvæləns] / US [ˈveɪləns] noun [countable] Word forms valance : singular valance plural valances 1) a sheet with a section that hangs down to cover the base of a bed 2) mainly American a pelmet … English dictionary
Valance — Recorded in the spellings of Valance, Vallance and Vallens, this unusual and interesting name was early in both England and Scotland, but is ultimately of French origins. It is locational from the town of Valence in the departement of Drome, or… … Surnames reference