Van
n.
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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.
Van
n.
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A shovel used in cleansing ore. (Mining)
Van
v. t.
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To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a shovel. (Mining)
Van
n.
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A light wagon, either covered or open, used by tradesmen and others for the transportation of goods. [Eng.]
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A large covered wagon for moving furniture, etc., also for conveying wild beasts, etc., for exhibition.
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A closed railway car for baggage. See the Note under Car, 2. [Eng.]
Van
n.
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A fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.
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A wing with which the air is beaten. [Archaic]
He wheeled in air, and stretched his vans in vain;
His vans no longer could his flight sustain.
Van
v. t.
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To fan, or to cleanse by fanning; to winnow. [Obs.]