winnew Meaning, Definition & Usage

Win"new transitive verb

Etymology

OE. windewen, winewen, AS. windwian; akin to Goth. winpjan (in comp.), winpi-skauro a fan, L. ventilare to fan, to winnow; cf. L. wannus a fan for winnowing, G. wanne, OHG. wanna. . See Wind moving air, and cf. Fan., n., Ventilate.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Winnowed ; present participle & verbal noun Winnowing

Definitions

1. To separate, and drive off, the chaff from by means of wind; to fan; as, to winnow grain.

   Ho winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing floor. Ruth. iii. 2.

2. To sift, as for the purpose of separating falsehood from truth; to separate, as had from good.

   Winnow well this thought, and you shall find This light as chaff that flies before the wind. Dryden.

3. To beat with wings, or as with wings.Poetic

   Now on the polar winds; then with quick fan Winnows the buxom air. Milton.