1. A moving forward, or towards the front.
2. Gradual progression; improvement; as, an advance in religion or knowledge.
3. Advancement; promotion; preferment; as, an advance in rank or office.
4. First hint by way of invitation; first step towards an agreement; as, A made an advance towards a reconciliation with B. In this sense, it is very frequently used in the plural.
5. The amours of an empress require the plainest advances.
6. In trade, additional price; profit; as, an advance on the prime cost of goods.
7. A giving beforehand; a furnishing of something, on contract, before an equivalent is received, as money or goods, towards a capital or stock, or on loan; or the money or goods thus furnished; as, A made large advances to B.
8. A furnishing of money or goods for others, in expectation of reimbursement; or the property so furnished.
9. I shall, with great pleasure, make the necessary advances.
10. The account was made up with intent to show what advances had been made.
11. In advance in front; before; also beforehand; before an equivalent is received, or when one partner in trade has furnished more than his proportion; as, A is in advance to B a thousand dollars or pounds.
