veɪn n. 1 (in full weather-vane) a revolving
pointer mounted on a
church spire or
other high place to
show the direction of the wind (cf. WEATHERCOCK). 2 a
blade of a
screw propeller or a
windmill etc. 3 the
sight of surveying instruments, a
quadrant, etc. 4 the flat
part of a bird's
feather formed by the barbs. øøvaned adj. vaneless adj. [ME,
southern &
western var. of obs.
fane f. OE fana
banner f. Gmc]