Winnow: Corn was winnowed,1. By being thrown up by a shovel against the wind. As a rule this
was done in the evening or during the night, when the west wind
from the sea was blowing, which was a moderate breeze and fitted
for the purpose. The north wind was too strong, and the east
wind came in gusts.
(Ruth 3:2; Jeremiah 4:11,12)
2. By the use of a fan or van, by which the chaff was blown away
(Isaiah 30:24; Matthew 3:12)