that which gives gain or helps forward in any way. The Fr. avant (before) shows the origin and meaning of this word, the d having subsequently crept in and corrupted the spelling. It is often contracted to "vantage." In some games (e.g. lawn tennis) the term "vantage" is used technically in scoring ("deuce" and "vantage"; "vantage sets"). A position which gives a better chance of success than its surroundings is called a "vantage ground." In an unfavourable sense the word "advantage" is used to express a mean use made of some favourable condition (e.g. to take advantage of another man's misfortunes).