King James Bible Dictionary

A vessel of metal or earthenware used in culinary operations; a cooking-pan or frying-pan frequently referred to in the Old Testament (Leviticus 2:5; 6:21; Numbers 11:8; 1 Samuel 2:14, etc.).

The "ash-pans" mentioned in Exodus 27:3 were made of copper, and were used in connection with the altar of burnt-offering. The "iron pan" mentioned in Ezekiel 4:3 (marg., "flat plate " or "slice") was probably a mere plate of iron used for baking. The "fire-pans" of Exodus 27:3 were fire-shovels used for taking up coals. The same Hebrew word is rendered "snuff-dishes" (25:38; 37:23) and "censers" (Leviticus 10:1; 16:12; Numbers 4:14, etc.). These were probably simply metal vessels employed for carrying burning embers from the brazen altar to the altar of incense.

The "frying-pan" mentioned in Leviticus 2:7; 7:9 was a pot for boiling.

Of the six words so rendered in the Authorized Version, two seem to imply a shallow pan or plate, such as is used by the Bedouine and Syrians for baking or dressing rapidly their cakes of meal, such as were used in legal oblations; the others, a deeper vessel or caldron for boiling meat, placed during the process on three stones.

PAN, noun

1. A vessel broad and somewhat hollow or depressed in the middle, or with a raised border; used for setting milk and other domestic purposes.

2. The part of a gun-lock or other fire-arms which holds the priming that communicates with the charge.

3. Something hollow; as the brain pan

4. Among farmers, the hard stratum of earth that lies below the soil; called the hard pan

5. The top of the head.

PAN, verb transitive To join; to close together. [Local.]