n. [ D. vangen to catch, seize. See Fang. ] (Naut.) A rope to steady the peak of a gaff. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Bot.) Benne (Sesamum orientale); also, its seeds; -- so called in the West Indies. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ For vantguard, avantguard, F. avant-garde; avant before, fore + garde guard. See Avant, Ab-, Ante-, and Guard, and cf. Advance, Vamp, Van of an army, Vaward. ] (Mil.) The troops who march in front of an army; the advance guard; the van. [ 1913 Webster ]