Val″ance (?), 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.]
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.