An instrument used for winnowing grain. In the East, fans are of two kinds: one a sort of fork, having three or four prongs, and a handle four feet long; with this they throw up the grain to the wind, that the chaff may be blown away: the other sort of fan is formed to produce wind when the air is calm, Isaiah 30:24. This process illustrates the complete separation which Christ the Judge will effect between the righteous and the wicked, Jeremiah 15:7 Matthew 3:12. See THRESHING.

A winnowing shovel by which grain was thrown up against the wind that it might be cleansed from broken straw and chaff (Isaiah 30:24; Jeremiah 15:7; Matthew 3:12). (See AGRICULTURE .)

FAN, n. L. vannus.

1. An instrument used by ladies to agitate the air and cool the face in warm weather. It is made of feathers, or of thin skin, paper or taffety mounted on sticks, &c.

2. Something in the form of a woman's fan when spread, as a peacoc's tail, a window, &c.

3. An instrument for winnowing grain, by moving which the grain is thrown up and agitated, and the chaff is separated and blown away.

4. something by which the air is moved; a wing.

5. An instrument to raise the fire or flame; as a fan to inflame love.

a winnowing-shovel , with which grain was thrown up against the wind to be cleansed from the chaff and straw. (Isaiah 30;24; Matthew 3:12) A large wooden fork is used at the present day.