Definition of van

• 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.
• n. - A shovel used in cleansing ore.
• v. t. - To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a shovel.
• n. - A light wagon, either covered or open, used by tradesmen and others fore the transportation of goods.
• n. - A large covered wagon for moving furniture, etc., also for conveying wild beasts, etc., for exhibition.
• n. - A close railway car for baggage. See the Note under Car, 2.
• n. - A fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.
• n. - A wing with which the air is beaten.
• v. t. - To fan, or to cleanse by fanning; to winnow.