Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AD-VANCE', n.

1. A moving forward, or towards the front. – Clarendon.
2. Gradual progression; improvement; as, an advance in religion or knowledge. – Atterbury.
3. Advancement; promotion; preferment; as, an advance in rank or office.
4. First hint by way of invitation; first step towards an agreement; as, A made an advance towards a reconciliation with B. In this sense it is very frequently used in the plural. The amours of an empress require the plainest advances. – Gibbon.
5. In trade, additional price; profit; as, an advance on the prime cost of goods.
6. A giving beforehand; a furnishing of something, on contract, before an equivalent is received, as money or goods, towards a capital or stock, or on loan; or the money or goods thus furnished; as, A made large advances to B.
7. A furnishing of money or goods for others, in expectation of reimbursement; or the property so furnished. I shall, with great pleasure, make the necessary advances. – Jay. The account was made up with intent to show what advances had been made. – Kent. In advance, in front; before; also beforehand; before an equivalent is received, or when one partner in trade has furnished more than his proportion; as, A is in advance to B a thousand dollars or pounds.