The Collaborative International Dictionary
Fan \Fan\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fanned; p. pr. & vb. n. Fanning.] [Cf. OF. vanner, L. vannere. See Fan, n., Van a winnowing machine.]
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To move as with a fan.
The air . . . fanned with unnumbered plumes.
--Milton. To cool and refresh, by moving the air with a fan; to blow the air on the face of with a fan.
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To ventilate; to blow on; to affect by air put in motion.
Calm as the breath which fans our eastern groves.
--Dryden. To winnow; to separate chaff from, and drive it away by a current of air; as, to fan wheat.
--Jer. li. 2.-
To excite or stir up to activity, as a fan excites a flame; to stimulate; as, this conduct fanned the excitement of the populace.
Fanning machine, or Fanning mill, a machine for separating seed from chaff, etc., by a blast of air; a fanner.