ˈwɪnəu v.tr. 1 blow (grain)
free of
chaff etc. by an air-current. 2 (foll. by
out,
away,
from, etc.)
get rid of (chaff etc.) from
grain. 3 a
sift,
separate;
clear of refuse or
inferior specimens. b sift or
examine (evidence
for falsehood etc.). c clear,
sort, or
weed out (rubbish etc.). 4
poet. a fan (the
air with wings). b
flap (wings). c stir (the
hair etc.). øøwinnower n. (in senses 1, 2). [OE windwian (as WIND(1))]