Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for VAN
VAN, n. [The radical word from which is formed the Fr. avant, avancer, Eng. advance, advantage. It is from the root of L. venio, the primary sense of which is to pass.]
- The front of an army; or the front line or foremost division of a fleet, either in sailing or in battle.
- Among farmers, a fan for winnowing grain. [This in New England is always pronounced fan, – which see. But the winnowing machine has nearly superseded the use of it.]
- In mining, the cleansing of ore or tin stuff by means of a shovel. – Cyc.
- A wing with which the air is beaten. He wheel'd in air, and stretch'd his vans in vain . – Dryden.
- In England, a large covered carriage for the transportation of goods.
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