Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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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.
Quotation dates: 1735-1951
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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.
