I. ˈvan noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin vannus — more at winnow
Date: 14th century
1. dialect England : a winnowing device (as a fan)
2. : wing 1a
II. noun
Etymology: by shortening
Date: 1607
: vanguard
III. noun
Etymology: short for caravan
Date: 1829
1.
a. : a usually enclosed wagon or motortruck used for transportation of goods or animals ; also : caravan 2a
b. : a multipurpose enclosed motor vehicle having a boxlike shape, rear or side doors, and side panels often with windows
c. : a detachable passenger cabin transportable by aircraft or truck
2. chiefly British : an enclosed railroad freight or baggage car
IV. transitive verb
( vanned ; van·ning )
Date: 1840
: to transport by van