\Win"new\, 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. ????. See {Wind} moving air, and cf.
{Fan}., n., {Ventilate}.]
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.