VAN

noun a shovel used in cleansing ore.

2. van ·noun a wing with which the air is beaten.

3. van ·noun a close railway car for baggage. ·see the note under car, 2.

4. van ·noun a fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.

5. van ·vt to wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a shovel.

6. van ·vt to fan, or to cleanse by fanning; to winnow.

7. van ·noun a light wagon, either covered or open, used by tradesmen and others fore the transportation of goods.

8. van ·noun a large covered wagon for moving furniture, ·etc., also for conveying wild beasts, ·etc., for exhibition.

9. van ·noun 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.