\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.]
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.

\Val"ance\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Valanced}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Valancing}.]
To furnish with a valance; to decorate with hangings or
drapery.
      His old fringed chair valanced around with
      party-colored worsted bobs.              --Sterne.