Van (?), n. [Abbrev. fr. vanguard.]
The front of an army; the first line or leading column; also, the front line or foremost division of a fleet, either in sailing or in battle.
Standards and gonfalons, twixt van and rear,
Stream in the air.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.
Van, n. [Cornish.] Mining
A shovel used in cleansing ore.
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Van, v. t. Mining
To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a shovel.
Raymond.
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Van, n. [Abbreviated from caravan.]
1.
A light wagon, either covered or open, used by tradesmen and others fore the transportation of goods.
[Eng.]
2.
A large covered wagon for moving furniture, etc., also for conveying wild beasts, etc., for exhibition.
3.
A close railway car for baggage. See the Note under Car, 2.
[Eng.]
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Van, n. [L. vannus a van, or fan for winnowing grain: cf. F. van. Cf. Fan, Van a wing Winnow.]
1.
A fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.
2. [OF. vanne, F. vanneau beam feather (cf. It. vanno a wing) fr. L. vannus. See Etymology above.]
A wing with which the air is beaten.
[Archaic] "[/Angels] on the air plumy
vans received him. "
Milton.
He wheeled in air, and stretched his vans in vain;
His vans no longer could his flight sustain.
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.
Van, v. t. [Cf. F. vanner to winnow, to fan. See Van a winnowing machine.]
To fan, or to cleanse by fanning; to winnow.
[Obs.]
Bacon.
© Webster 1913.