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

At first it hung on the horizon small and smooth as a mist, except it did not come hither and thither as clouds blown by the wind do, but it stood steady until it spread fanwise up into the air.

From Literature

The rum’s soft heat was spreading fanwise out from his stomach, engulfing his whole body.

From Literature

Bigger stooped and saw, through the cracks of the furnace, the coal spreading out fanwise over the red bed of fire.

From Literature

A wave of numbness spread fanwise from his stomach over his entire body, including his head and eyes, making his mouth gap.

From Literature

The rattling of the tiny lumps against the tin sides of the chute came loudly to his ears as the oblong mound of red fire turned gradually black and blazed from the fanwise spreading of coal whirling into the furnace.

From Literature