Văn1, n.
n. [Abbreviated from van-guard, q. v.] The front of an army; or the front line or foremost division of a fleet, either in sailing or in battle.
3 entries under this word
Van
Văn2, n.
n. [Lat. vannus, a van, or fan, for winnowing grain.]
Sense 1. A fan for cleansing grain or the like; a winnowing machine.
Sense 2. (Mining.) A mode or process of cleansing ore or tin stuff by means of a shovel.
Sense 3. [O. Fr. vanne, N. Fr. vanneau, It. vanno, a wing, from Lat. vannus, Fr. van. Cf. FAN.] A wing with which the air is beaten.
He wheeled in air, and stretched his vans in vain; His vans no longer could his flight sustain. Dryden.
Sense 4. A large, light, covered wagon, for the transportation of goods, and the like. [Eng.]
Văn3, v. t.
v. t. [Fr. vanner, to winnow, to fan, from van, Lat. vannus. See supra.]
- To fan, or to cleanse by fanning; to winnow. [Obs. and rare.] See FAN.
- (Mining.) To wash or cleanse, as a small portion of ore on a shovel. Pryce.