Win·now v. t. [imp. & p. p. Winnowed p. pr. & vb. n. Winnowing.]
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 bad 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.