The term refers to an agricultural tool utilized to separate grain from chaff. This implement, typically a large fork with widely spaced tines, facilitates the process of winnowing, where the mixture of grain and lighter chaff is tossed into the air. The wind then carries away the lighter chaff, allowing the heavier grain to fall back down, thus achieving separation.
The employment of this tool represents a significant step in early agricultural practices, improving efficiency in grain processing. Historically, its use meant a greater yield of usable grain, contributing to food security and the development of settled agriculture. It enabled communities to process harvests more effectively, leading to surpluses and supporting larger populations.
