winnowed

verb

1. 1

   To subject (granular material, especially food grain) to a current of air separating heavier and lighter components, as grain from chaff.

2. 2

   To separate, sift, analyze, or test by separating items having different values.

   “They winnowed the field to twelve.”

3. 3

   To blow upon or toss about by blowing; to set in motion as with a fan or wings.

4. 4

   To move about with a flapping motion, as of wings; to flutter.