Van — Defs

01 n. 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.

1.
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.

02 n. A shovel used in cleansing ore.

03 v. t. To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a shovel.

04 n. A light wagon, either covered or open, used by tradesmen and others for the transportation of goods.

1.
A light wagon, either covered or open, used by tradesmen and others for the transportation of goods.[Eng.]
2.
A large covered wagon for moving furniture, etc., also for conveying wild beasts, etc., for exhibition.
3.
A closed railway car for baggage. See the Note under Car, 2.[Eng.] See: Car

05 n. A fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.

1.
A fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.
2.
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.” — Dryden.

06 v. t. To fan, or to cleanse by fanning; to winnow.