noun.
A fan or other contrivance for winnowing grain.
noun.
[⟨ van, verb] In mining, a test of the value of an ore, made by washing (vanning) a small quantity, after powdering it, on the point of a shovel. Vanning is to a Cornish miner what washing in the horn spoon is to the Mexican. See van, verb, 2.
noun.
A vane, as of a feather; hence, a wing.
noun.
The foremost division of an army on the march, or of a fleet when sailing; hence, by extension, the front of an army when in line of battle: opposed to rear.
noun.
The leaders of any movement in which many are engaged; the foremost individuals of any moving body; the front of any advancing body; the front generally: literally or figuratively.
To carry or transport in a van.
noun.
Any large covered carriage; specifically, a large covered wagon used in moving furniture and household effects.
noun.
A kind of vehicle, sometimes covered and sometimes open, used by tradesmen and others for carrying light goods, etc.
noun.
A close carriage attached to a railway-train, for carrying passengers' luggage, for the accommodation of the guard, etc.
noun.
The small store in a logging-camp in which clothing, tobacco, and medicine are kept, to supply the crew.
To winnow; fan.
In mining, to separate, as ore from veinstone, by washing it on the point of a shovel. See van, n., 2, and vanner.
A shortened form of avant-.