Middle English Dictionary Entry
fan(ne n.
Entry Info
| Forms | fan(ne n. Also vanne, faan, faun, wonne. |
| Etymology | OE fann, fon, & L vannus. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A machine or utensil for separating grain from chaff, such as a winnowing fan, a basket, or a shovel.
Associated quotations
- a1325 Gloss.Bibbesw.(Cmb Gg.1.1)779 : En graunge usom la vaanne [glossed: fanne; vrr. faan, faun, wonne, wanne].
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Dc 369(1))Jer.15.7 : Y shal scatere them with a fan [WB(2): wyndewynge instrument] in the ȝatus of the lond.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)331b/b : The Vanne hatte ventilabrum and is instrument to Vanne wiþ, and haþ þis proprete þat þe light þing and vile passeþ oute and þe heuy and clene abydeþ þer Inne.
- c1450 Trin-C.LEDict.(Trin-C O.5.4)570 : Capisterium: A vanne [or a Seve].
- (c1460) Bk.Arms in Anc.7 (Hrl 2169)207 : [Azure three winnowing] fanys [of gold].
- ?c1475 *Cath.Angl.(Add 15562)44b : A ffanne: Capisterium, pala, vannus, ventilabrum.
2.
A wicker shield used in mock jousts or in the training of novices.
Associated quotations
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Mcp.(Manly-Rickert)H.42 : Now, swete sire, wol ye iusten atte fan.
- a1450(1408) *Vegetius(1) (Dc 291)13b : How olde werriours were used to juste with vannes and pley wiþ þe pile.
- a1450(1408) *Vegetius(1) (Dc 291)14a : Ȝong kniȝtes..ffirst..schuld haue a schelde made of twigges, som what rounde in manere of a gredire, þe whiche is clepid a vanne.
- 1458 *Maldon (Essex) Liber B [OD col.]fol.iib : John Dale hath in his kepynge a justyng sadel, ii vannys, and a sper.
- a1475(a1450) Tourn.Tott.(Hrl 5396)164 : Þer was clynkyng of cart-sadellys and clattiryng of cannes; Of fele frekis in þe feld brokyn were þer fannes.
- c1475(c1450) Idley Instr.(Cmb Ee.4.37)1.598 : Trouthe at last wol be shielde and fan.
3.
A fan for wafting air.
Associated quotations
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Mil.(Manly-Rickert)A.3315 : Crul was his heer and as the gold it shoon, And strouted as a fanne large and brode.
- a1500 *Trev.Higd.(Trin-O 29) : Þere is a water betwene seint Albons and Donstable..after þe shap of a vanne.
- a1509(?1468) Marriage in Archaeol.31 (Add 46354)337 : Gentillwemen berringe fannes.
4.
vanne-maker, as surname.
Associated quotations
- 1307 in Thuresson ME Occup.Terms234 : Vannemaker.
- 1314 in Thuresson ME Occup.Terms234 : Vanmakere.