Английский Этимологический словарь - fan (1)

- O.E. (W. Saxon) fann "a basket or shovel for winnowing grain" (by tossing it in the air), from L. vannus, related to ventus "wind." Sense of "device for moving air" first recorded 1390; the hand-held version is first attested 1555. To fan out is from 1592. A fan-light (1819) originally was shaped like a lady's fan.