From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishcornicecor‧nice /ˈkɔːnɪs $ ˈkɔːr-/ noun [countable] AAwood or plaster that runs along the top edge of a wall, used for decoration A carved cornice runs around the high-ceilinged room.
Examples from the Corpus
cornice• At the same time optional accessories, such as cornices, light pelmets and plinths, could also be changed.• A carved cornice ran around the high-ceilinged room.• Overhead, tempting us with its promise of warmth, the sun glints mischievously along the summit cornice.• Vian had to hold both Lord Francis and Taugwalder when they fell through the summit cornice!• The river then spit me out into the current, and swept me downstream and around the cornice of House Rock.• The other two three-figure groups are fixed each in its own wing by its adjustment to the slope of the cornice.• The overall feeling is sombre despite the contrast provided by the dancing putti on the cornice.• The wall paintings under the cornice are c.1370.Origin cornice (1500-1600) French Italian, perhaps from Greek koronis “stone put on top of a wall” 