Definition: A fan has come to be known (according to Webster's Universal Dictionary) as An instrument for producing artificial currents of air by the movement of a broad surface; specifically, (a) a device for cooling the face and person made of various materials, as feathers, silk, papier-mache, etc usually mounted on a frame or sticks of ivory, wood, etc., and either permanenty expnded, as a palm-leaf fan. or capable of being folded and opened at will; (b) any revolving contrivance of vanes or disks used for winnowing gain, blowing a fire, cooling fiulds, promoting ventilation, etc.; as, an electric fan; (c) a small vane or sail used to keep largge sails of a windmill always in the direction of the wind; (d)an apparatus for regulating or checking, by the resistance of the air to its rapid motion, the velocity of light machinery, as in a musical box; a fly; (e) an aspparatus, called also the fan-governor, for regulating the throttle-valves of steam-engines.

2) Something in the form of a fan when spread as a peacock's tail, a window, etc.

3) Figuratively, anything hat stirs to action, or excites a passion or an emotion, as a fan excites a flame; as, her answer was but a fan to his anger.

6) An enthusiastic follower or supporter of various sports; as a baseball fan; a prize-fight fan, (Slang) 1936 Webster