VAN (5)

Van, n. [[L. vannus a van, or fan for winnowing grain: cf. F. van. Cf. Fan, Van a wing Winnow.]] 1. 1. A fan or other contrivance, as a sieve, for winnowing grain.
2. 2. [[OF. vanne, F. vanneau beam feather (cf. It. vanno a wing) fr. L. vannus. See Etymology above.]] A wing with which the air is beaten. “ on their plumy vans received him. ” Milton.
He wheeled in air, and stretched his vans in vain; His vans no longer could his flight sustain. Dryden.