chan

plural chans

1. InternetinformalAn IRC channel.

   I tried, but I never get anyone in the chan! I don't know how/where to advertise... maybe we should set up a meeting time or something?

   1997, Dominic Donegan, “Is there a #nethack chan on IRC?”, in rec.games.roguelike.nethack (Usenet)

   1 more example

   If you don't have your password set within a week I'll remove you from the userlist and I'll add you again next time I see you in the chan and make sure you set a pass.

   1999, Jonny Durango, “IMPORTANT NEWS FOR AHM IRC CHAN!!!”, in alt.hackers.malicious (Usenet)

plural chans

1. InternetinformalAn imageboard.

   more niche chans

plural chans

1. datedslanglifestyleFanwork depicting sexual relationships betwen an adult and a minor;
   1. datedslanguncommonlifestyleor between two underage characters.

plural Chans

1. A Chinese surname from Cantonese.

plural Chans

1. A Chinese surname from Hokkien.

1. alternativeAlternative form of Zhan, A Chinese surname from Mandarin.

alternative obsolete Ch'an

1. uncountableBuddhismA major Chinese school of Mahayana Buddhism characterized by sudden enlightenment achieved by indirect means, developed in Japan as Zen.

   It is possible that highly calligraphic painting styles, including the extreme forms of “flung-ink,” began at this time, but probably not under Ch’an Buddhist influence, which figured in the religious life of the dynasty.

   [1964, Sherman E. Lee, “The Rise of the Arts of Painting and Ceramics in China”, in A History of Far Eastern Art, New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 261, column 2

   Synonyms: Zen, Zen Buddhism

1. A surname from Khmer.

1. alternativeAlternative form of Chanambam surname of Meitei origin
2. alternativeAlternative form of Chandam surname of Meitei origin