Van

·noun A shovel used in cleansing ore.

II. Van ·noun A wing with which the air is beaten.

III. Van ·noun A close railway car for baggage. ·see the Note under Car, 2.

IV. Van ·noun A fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.

V. Van ·vt To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a shovel.

VI. Van ·vt To fan, or to cleanse by fanning; to Winnow.

VII. Van ·noun A light wagon, either covered or open, used by tradesmen and others fore the transportation of goods.

VIII. Van ·noun A large covered wagon for moving furniture, ·etc., also for conveying wild beasts, ·etc., for exhibition.

IX. 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.