Vane word meaning and definition

[noun] the flattened weblike part of a feather consisting of a series of barbs on either side of the shaft
[noun] flat surface that rotates and pushes against air or water
[noun] mechanical device attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind

\Vane\, n. [OE. & E. Prov. E. fane weathercock, banner, AS. fana a banner, flag; akin to D. vaan, G. fahne, OHG. fano cloth, gund fano flag, Icel. f[=a]ni, Sw. fana, Dan. fane, Goth. fana cloth, L. pannus, and perhaps to Gr.? a web, ? a bobbin, spool. Cf. {Fanon}, {Pane} a compartment, panel.] 1. A contrivance attached to some elevated object for the purpose of showing which way the wind blows; a weathercock. It is usually a plate or strip of metal, or slip of wood, often cut into some fanciful form, and placed upon a perpendicular axis around which it moves freely. Aye undiscreet, and changing as a vane. --Chaucer. 2. Any flat, extended surface attached to an axis and moved by the wind; as, the vane of a windmill; hence, a similar fixture of any form moved in or by water, air, or other fluid; as, the vane of a screw propeller, a fan blower, an anemometer, etc. 3. (Zo["o]l.) The rhachis and web of a feather taken together. 4. One of the sights of a compass, quadrant, etc. {Vane of a leveling staff}. (Surv.) Same as {Target}, 3.

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