Winnow

v. t. [imp. & p. p. WINNOWED; p. pr. & vb. n. WINNOWING.] [Prov. Eng. windweve, A-S. windwian, āwindwian, to fan; Goth. vinthjan, id., vinthi-skaura, a fan; O. H. Ger. winta, winda, a fan; Lat. vannare, to fan, winnow, from vannus, a fan or van for winnowing grain; D. & Prov. Ger. wannen, O. H. Ger. wannôn, to winnow.]

1. To separate and drive off the chaff from by means of wind; as, to winnow grain.
2. To examine; to sift for the purpose of separating falsehood from truth; to separate, as bad from good.

*Winnow well this thought, and you shall find 'Tis light as chaff that flows before the wind.* Dryden. 3. To fan; to beat, as with wings. *Now, on the polar winds, their quick fan Winnows the buxom air.* Milton.