Definition of cornice

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< cornhusking

corniche >

cor·nice    (kôrns) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. A horizontal molded projection that crowns or completes a building or wall.
   2. The uppermost part of an entablature.
2. The molding at the top of the walls of a room, between the walls and ceiling.
3. An ornamental horizontal molding or frame used to conceal rods, picture hooks, or other devices.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
cor·niced, cor·nic·ing, cor·nic·es

To supply, decorate, or finish with or as if with a cornice.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Obsolete French, from Italian, possibly from Latin cornx, cornc-, crow, from its resemblance to a crow's beak (influenced by Greek kornis, curved line, flourish)