GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Winnow , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Winnowed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Winnowing.] [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. √131. See Wind moving air, and cf. Fan., n., Ventilate.]
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   To separate, and drive off, the chaff from by means of wind; to fan; as, to winnow grain.
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   Ho winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing floor.
   Ruth. iii. 2.
   
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   To sift, as for the purpose of separating falsehood from truth; to separate, as bad from good.
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   Winnow well this thought, and you shall find
   This light as chaff that flies before the wind.
   Dryden.
   
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   To beat with wings, or as with wings.[Poetic]
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   Now on the polar winds; then with quick fan
   Winnows the buxom air.
   Milton.
   
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2.       
   Winnow , v. i. To separate chaff from grain.
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   Winnow not with every wind.
   Ecclus. v. 9.
   
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