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.
A shovel used in cleansing ore.
To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a shovel. Raymond.
A light wagon, either covered or open, used by tradesmen and others fore the transportation of goods. [Eng.]
A large covered wagon for moving furniture, etc., also for conveying wild beasts, etc., for exhibition.
A close railway car for baggage. See the Note under Car, 2. [Eng.]
A fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.
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.
To fan, or to cleanse by fanning; to winnow. [Obs.] Bacon.
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