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.
Standards and gonfalons, twixt van and rear, Stream in the air.
Milton.
Van, n. [Cornish.] (Mining) A shovel used in cleansing ore.
Van, v. t. (Mining) To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore, on a
shovel. Raymond.