Fan (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Fanned (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Fanning (?).] [Cf. OF. vanner, L. vannere. See Fan, n., Van a winnowing machine.] 1. To move as with a fan.
The air... fanned with unnumbered plumes. Milton.
2. To cool and refresh, by moving the air with a fan; to blow the air on the face of with a fan.
3. To ventilate; to blow on; to affect by air put in motion.
Calm as the breath which fans our eastern groves. Dryden.
4. To winnow; to separate chaff from, and drive it away by a current of air; as, to fan wheat. Jer. li. 2.
5. 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, orFanning mill, a machine for separating seed from chaff, etc., by a blast of air; a fanner.