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.]

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 axcites 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)