fanwise

[ fan-wahyz ]

adverb

1. spread out like an open fan:

   to hold cards fanwise.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fanwise¹

First recorded in 1880–85; fan ¹ + -wise

Example Sentences

About sunrise the troop left camp in a body, later spreading fanwise over the prairies.

From Project Gutenberg

A windmill for raising water spreads its giant sails fanwise over a huge grey metal armature.

From Project Gutenberg

Timidly she spread out fanwise the dove color of her sober costume.

From Project Gutenberg

The electro-bullets spread fanwise, exploded into flaming deaths.

From Project Gutenberg

The broad base of the mountain where it sat upon the backs of the lower hills spread out fanwise to a width of five miles.

From Project Gutenberg