King James Bible Dictionary

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.)

Used for winnowing grain.
Isaiah 30:24; Jeremiah 15:7; Jeremiah 51:2; Matthew 3:12

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.

FAN, noun [Latin 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, etc.

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

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.