Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.