vane etymology

Etymology

The word "vane" comes from the Middle English word "vane," which in turn comes from the Old English word "fana," meaning "banner" or "flag."

Meaning

A vane is a device that is used to indicate the direction of the wind. It typically consists of a metal or plastic tube that is mounted on a pole and has a small, flat blade that rotates in the wind.

Origin

The earliest known vanes were made in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). These vanes were made of silk or paper and were used to track the direction of the wind.

Vanes were introduced to Europe in the 13th century. They were initially used by sailors to navigate their ships, but they were also used by architects to design buildings that would be more resistant to wind damage.

In the 18th century, vanes became increasingly popular as decorative objects. They were often used to top houses, barns, and other buildings. Today, vanes are still used as both functional and decorative objects.

vane relate terms

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