(wind). The process of winnowing or winding grain was that of tossing the mixed chaff and kernels into the air, on a high, windy spot, with a fork or shovel, so that the wind could carry the chaff away. The floor on which the kernels fell was usually clean and solid, and when not so, a sheet was used to catch the grains (Isa. 30:24; 41:16; Matt. 3:12). Evening was the favorite winnowing time because the breezes were then steadiest (Ruth 3:2).