ppl. a. [f. WINNOW v. + -ED1.] In various senses of the verb.
The interpretation of quot. 1602 has been much disputed; the passage is perh. corrupt.
1602. Shaks., Ham., V. ii. 201. The most fond and winnowed opinions. Ibid. (1606), Tr. & Cr., III. ii. 174. Such a winnowed puritie in loue.
1611. Florio, Ago,… the chaffe comming from winnowed or bolted corne.
1697. Dryden, Virg. Georg., III. 217. When … winnow’d Chaff, by western winds is blown.
1791. Cowper, Iliad, V. 229. Their steeds … eating winnowed grain.
1900. Morley, Cromwell, II. v. 183. Faith that the God of Battles was on their side nerved its chosen and winnowed ranks with stern confidence.
