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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FANNER, n., v.

I. n. 1. Now commonly in pl., construed as a sing.: a winnowing machine, esp. that devised by James Meikle of Saltoun in E. Lothian in 1710. Gen.Sc. Also fig. Freq. also in phr. a pair of fanners (Ork. 1802 J. Shirreff Agric. Ork. (1814) App. 49).Sc. 1735 Caled. Mercury (6 Feb.):
Lesser ones can be made, which will do the Work of 6 or 8 Men, and may thresh at the same time that a Mill is grinding, as the Fanners go.Sc. 1776 Kames Gentleman Farmer 25:
The Fanner. This instrument for winnowing corn was introduced into Scotland not many years ago.Sc. 1828 Blackwood's Mag. (June) 841:
How from the fanners of his genius would the cock-chaffers of Cockneys fly like very chaff!Dmf. 1839 T. Carlyle Life in London (Froude 1884) I. 158:
Chorley's under jaw went like the hopper or under riddle of a pair of fanners, such was his terror.Lth. 1885 “J. Strathesk” Blinkbonny 63:
He mak's fanners for dichtin' corn.Abd. 1916 A. Gibson Under the Cruisie 111:
She talked baith morn an' noon an' night, Her tongue gaed like a fanner.Sc. 1951 Sc. Farmer (27 Jan.):
Barn Fanners, reconditioned; for immediate despatch.

2. A large wide-brimmed hat. Rare.Edb. 1881 J. Smith Habbie and Madge 102:
The auld wife wi' a big fanner on her heid, an' a blue veil owre her een.

†II. v. To winnow (corn) in a fanner.Dmf. 1820 Blackwood's Mag. (May) 160:
But bairns, aboon a' things, leave me some fannered corn for my poor auld ass.