*valance*

n. [ Perhaps fr. OF. avalant descending, hanging down, p. pr. of avaler to go down, let down, descend (cf. Avalanche); but probably from the town of Valence in France. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Valance of Venice gold in needlework. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The drooping edging of the lid of a trunk, which covers the joint when the lid is closed. [ 1913 Webster ]