FAN

an implement used for producing coolne in the atmosphere, and upon the skin, Feather f’s upon long handles were used by the ancients, and were regarded as symbols of royalty. In the Middle Ages f’s were used in churches to keep flies from the consecrated elements. Small feather f’s began to be used in England during Elizabeth's reign. The modern folding f. is of Jap. origin. From the XVII. cent. onwards France has been the chief seat of the f. industry.