Fān1, n.
n. [A.-S. fann, O. H. Ger. wanna, fan, awning, equiv. to M. H. Ger. wanne, O. H. Ger. wannon, to fan, equiv. to M. H. Ger. & D. wannen; O. D. wan, wanne, allied to Lat. vannus, Fr. van, fan, van for winnowing grain. Cf. VAN.]
Sense 1. An instrument used for producing artificial currents of air, by the wafting or revolving motion of a broad surface; as, (a.) An instrument for cooling the person, made of feathers, paper, silk, &c., and usually mounted on sticks all turning about the same pivot, so as when opened to radiate from the center and assume the figure of a section of a circle. (b.) (Mach.) Any revolving leaf or leaves used for exciting currents of air, in winnowing grain, blowing a fire, ventilation, &c., or for checking rapid motion by the resistance of the air; a fanner; a fan-blower; a fan-wheel. (c.) An instrument for winnowing grain, by moving which the grain is thrown up and agitated, and the chaff is separated and blown away. (d.) Something in the form of a woman’s fan when spread, as a peacock’s tail, a window, &c. (e.) A small vane or sail, used to keep the large sails of a smock windmill always in the direction of the wind. Hebert.
Sense 2. That which produces effects analogous to those of a fan, as in exciting a flame, &c.; that which inflames, heightens, or strengthens; as, it served as a fan to the flame of his passion.
Fan-nerved (Bot. & Entom.), having the nerves arranged in the form of an open fan, as in leaves or animal organization. Craig.—Fan-tracery (Arch.), a style of carved work diverging from a central point, like the folds of a fan. Fairholt.