01 v. t. To separate, and drive off, the chaff from by means of wind; to fan; as, to winnow grain.
imp. & p. p.
Winnowed; p. pr. & vb. n.
Winnowing
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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.
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2.
To sift, as for the purpose of separating falsehood from truth; to separate, as bad from good.“Winnow well this thought, and you shall find This light as chaff that flies before the wind.” — Dryden.
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3.
To beat with wings, or as with wings.[Poetic]“Now on the polar winds; then with quick fan Winnows the buxom air.” — Milton.