GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 7 definitions
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Caravan (kărˈȧ‑văn or kăr‑ȧ‑vănˈ; 277), n. [F. caravane (cf. Sp. caravana), fr. Per. karwān a caravan (in sense 1). Cf. Van a wagon.]
1. A company of travelers, pilgrims, or merchants, organized and equipped for a long journey, or marching or traveling together, esp. through deserts and countries infested by robbers or hostile tribes, as in Asia or Africa.
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2. A large, covered wagon, or a train of such wagons, for conveying wild beasts, etc., for exhibition; an itinerant show, as of wild beasts.
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3. A covered vehicle for carrying passengers or for moving furniture, etc.; -- sometimes shorted into van.
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Van (?), n. [Abbrev. fr. vanguard.] 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.
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Standards and gonfalons, twixt van and rear,
Stream in the air. Milton.
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Van, n. [Cornish.] (Mining) A shovel used in cleansing ore.
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Van, v. t. (Mining) To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a shovel. Raymond.
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Van, n. [Abbreviated from caravan.]
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1. A light wagon, either covered or open, used by tradesmen and others for the transportation of goods. [Eng.]
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2. A large covered wagon for moving furniture, etc., also for conveying wild beasts, etc., for exhibition.
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3. A closed railway car for baggage. See the Note under Car, 2. [Eng.]
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Van, n. [L. vannus a van, or fan for winnowing grain: cf. F. van. Cf. Fan, Van a wing Winnow.]
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1. A fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.
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2. [OF. vanne, F. vanneau beam feather (cf. It. vanno a wing) fr. L. vannus. See Etymology above.] A wing with which the air is beaten. [Archaic] “[/Angels] on their plumy vans received him. ” Milton.
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He wheeled in air, and stretched his vans in vain;
His vans no longer could his flight sustain. Dryden.
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Van, v. t. [Cf. F. vanner to winnow, to fan. See Van a winnowing machine.] To fan, or to cleanse by fanning; to winnow. [Obs.] Bacon.
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