Winnowed

Winnow \Win"now\ (w[i^]n"n[-o]), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Winnowed}
   (w[i^]n"n[-o]d); 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. [root]131.
   See {Wind} moving air, and cf. {Fan}., n., {Ventilate}.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. To separate, and drive off, the chaff from by means of
      wind; to fan; as, to winnow grain.
      [1913 Webster]

            Ho winnoweth barley to-night in the threshing floor.
                                                  --Ruth. iii.
                                                  2.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To sift, as for the purpose of separating falsehood from
      truth; to separate, as bad from good.
      [1913 Webster]

            Winnow well this thought, and you shall find
            This light as chaff that flies before the wind.
                                                  --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To beat with wings, or as with wings.[Poetic]
      [1913 Webster]

            Now on the polar winds; then with quick fan
            Winnows the buxom air.                --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]