ad·vance 1 vt ad·vanced, ad·vanc·ing: to supply or provide ahead of time: as
a: to give (a gift) by way of or as an advancement
b: to supply (as money) beforehand in expectation of repayment or other future adjustment
advance 2 n: a provision of something (as goods or money) before a return is received; also: the money or goods supplied
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.