CORNICE, in architecture, the deco rated projection at the top of a wall pro vided to throw off rain from the wall face or to ornament and finish the eaves: The term is used as well for any projecting ele ment which crowns an architectural fea ture. A cornice is also specifically the top member of the entablature of a classic or der (q.v.) ; it is in this case divided into three parts, a bed mould, corona and cy matium.