WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Van
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Abbrev. fr. vanguard.]
Definition : Defn: 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. Standards and gonfalons, twixt van and rear, Stream in the air. Milton.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Van
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Cornish.] (Mining)
Definition : Defn: A shovel used in cleansing ore.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Van
Part of Speech : v.
Definition : Defn: To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a shovel. Raymond.

t. (Mining)
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Van
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Abbreviated from caravan.]
Definition : 1. A light wagon, either covered or open, used by tradesmen and others fore the transportation of goods. [Eng.]

2. A large covered wagon for moving furniture, etc., also for conveying wild beasts, etc., for exhibition.

3. A close railway car for baggage. See the Note under Car, 2. [Eng.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Van
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. vannus a van, or fan for winnowing grain: cf. F. van. Cf. Fan, Van a wing Winnow.]
Definition : 1. A fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.

2. Etym: [OF. vanne, F. vanneau beam feather (cf. It. vanno a wing) fr. L. vannus. See Etymology above.]

Defn: A wing with which the air is beaten. [Archaic] "[/Angels] on the air plumy vans received him. " Milton. He wheeled in air, and stretched his vans in vain; His vans no longer could his flight sustain. Dryden.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Van
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [Cf. F. vanner to winnow, to fan. See Van a winnowing machine.]
Definition : Defn: To fan, or to cleanse by fanning; to winnow. [Obs.] Bacon.

t.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913