Cār'a-văn or Cār'a-văn', n.

(Synop., § 130), n. [Fr. caravane, Sp. caravana, Ar. qairawān, from Per. kārvān, qirwān, caravan, qirwān, traveling through many regions.]

1. A company of travelers, pilgrims, or merchants, marching or proceeding in a body, or traveling together for greater security, especially through countries infested by robbers, or hostile tribes. “Men who pass in troop or caravan.” Milton.
2. A large, close carriage on springs, or a train of such carriages, for conveying wild beasts, &c., for exhibition.
3. A fleet of large boats, used in Russia for conveying hemp, &c. Simmonds.