val·ance 
(văləns, vāləns)
(văləns, vāləns)n.
1. An ornamental drapery hung across a top edge, as of a bed, table, or canopy.
2. A short drapery, decorative board, or metal strip mounted especially across the top of a window to conceal structural fixtures.
tr.v. val·anced, val·anc·ing, val·anc·es
To supply with valances or a valance.
[Middle English.]