ADVANTAGE  , 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) .