van 1
/van/ , n.
1. the foremost or front division of an army, a fleet, or any group leading an advance or in position to lead an advance.
2. those who are in the forefront of a movement or the like.
3. the forefront in any movement, course of progress, or the like.
[ 1600-10; short for VANGUARD ]
van 2
/van/ , n. , v. , vanned, vanning .
n.
1. a covered vehicle, usually a large truck or trailer, used for moving furniture, goods, animals, etc.
2. a smaller boxlike vehicle that resembles a panel truck, often has double doors both at the rear and along the curb side, and that can be used as a truck, fitted with rows of seats, or equipped with living quarters for traveling and camping.
3. Brit.
a. a railway baggage car.
b. a covered, boxlike railway car, as one used to carry freight.
c. a small, horse-drawn wagon or a small truck, as one used by tradespeople to carry light goods.
4. Also called van conversion . a conventional van whose cargo area has been equipped with living facilities, extra windows, and often increased headroom.
v.t.
5. to transport or carry (freight, passengers, etc.) in a van.
v.i.
6. to travel in a van.
[ 1820-30; short for CARAVAN ]
van 3
/van/ ; Du. /vahn/ , prep. ( often cap. )
from; of (used in Dutch personal names, originally to indicate place of origin).
[ ]
van 4
/van/ , n.
a wing.
[ 1400-50;late ME, var. of FAN 1 ]