GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 7 definitions

1.       
   Caravan , n. [F. caravane (cf. Sp. caravana), fr. Per. karwān a caravan (in sense 1). Cf. Van a wagon.]
   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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   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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   A covered vehicle for carrying passengers or for moving furniture, etc.; -- sometimes shorted into van.
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2.       
   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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3.       
   Van, n. [Cornish.] (Mining) A shovel used in cleansing ore.
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4.       
   Van, v. t. (Mining) To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a shovel.
   Raymond.
   
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5.       
   Van, n. [Abbreviated from caravan.]
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   A light wagon, either covered or open, used by tradesmen and others for the transportation of goods. [Eng.]
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   A large covered wagon for moving furniture, etc., also for conveying wild beasts, etc., for exhibition.
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   A closed railway car for baggage. See the Note under Car, 2. [Eng.]
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6.       
   Van, n. [L. vannus a van, or fan for winnowing grain: cf. F. van. Cf. Fan, Van a wing Winnow.]
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   A fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.
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   [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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7.       
   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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