A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1635-1675
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Van(e, Wane, n.2 [17th c. Eng. van (1610).] The vanguard of an army. —1635 Sutherland Bk. II 159.
He schairgit ther foutt in flanck, wane and reire 1642 Thanes of Cawdor 287.
Collis bairnes and Sir Philamie did stryve for the vane and Sir Philamie did stryve lykewayis, alwayis Collis bairnes got the van wha did mairche one bravelie aganis Sir Robert c1648 Turner Mem. 244.
There was not sixteene miles from the van to the reare of all our forces, which this bishop with his multiplying glasse makes up to eight and threttie ?c1675 J. Gordon Hist. II 270.
The van was givne to a troope of volunteer gentlemen curassiers
