VAN
Van, v. t. (Mining)
Defn: To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a shovel.
Raymond.
VAN
Van, n. Etym: [Abbreviated from caravan.]
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.]
VAN Van, n. Etym: [L. vannus a van, or fan for winnowing grain: cf. F. van. Cf. Fan, Van a wing Winnow.]
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.