van

[formerly vant, contracted from avant]. That part of a fleet, army, or body of men, which is advanced in the first line or front.

♦ Vanguard. The advanced division.

Van
·noun A shovel used in cleansing ore. II. Van ·noun A wing with which the air is beaten. III. Van ...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
van
Madam Van; see MADAM. ...

Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
van
a fan or machine for winnowing corn. Glouc. ...

A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose
Van-courier
·noun One sent in advance; an avant-courier; a precursor. ...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
van-neck
Miss or Mrs. Van-Neck; a woman with large breasts; a bushel bubby. ...

Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
Van Diemen's Land
the name given to the colony nowcalled Tasmania, by Abel Jansz Tasman, the Dutch navigator,in 1642, ...

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris