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.