fan

1. fan (noun) — sense 1

Definition: A hand-held device consisting of concertinaed material, or slats of material, gathered together at one end, that may be opened out into the shape of a sector of a circle and waved back and forth in order to move air towards oneself and cool oneself.

Example: How apt is the flutter of the fan to express the different affections of the belle: there is the angry flutter, the modest flutter, the timorous flutter, the confused flutter etc.

2. fan (noun) — sense 2

Definition: An electrical or mechanical device for moving air, used for cooling people, machinery, etc.

Example: He didn't switch on the fan because the temperature was 15 degrees Celsius.

3. fan (noun) — sense 3

Definition: The action of fanning; agitation of the air.

Example: "If I cannot be of service, then I certainly don't wish to impose," said McGinty, with a quick fan of breeze that indicated a sweeping bow.

4. fan (verb) — sense 4

Definition: To blow air on (something) by means of a fan (hand-held, mechanical or electrical) or otherwise.

Example: We enjoyed standing at the edge of the cliff, being fanned by the wind.

5. fan (verb) — sense 5

Definition: To slap (a behind, especially).

Example: Part of it was that as much as I respected filial devotion and as much as I liked Sarah Barstow, it would have been a real satisfaction to put her across my knees and pull up her skirts and giver^([sic]) her a swell fanning, for not taking a look at that driver.

6. fan (verb) — sense 6

Definition: To move or spread in multiple directions from one point, in the shape of a hand-held fan.