hand screen

English

Alternative forms

• hand-screen

Noun

hand screen (plural hand screens)

1. (now chiefly historical) A small screen held in the hand, used as a fan, or to protect one's face from light or heat.
   • 1816, Frances Burney, Journals and Letters, Penguin, published 2001, page 505:

     She took me to her Boudoir, seated me on the soffa, fetched me a hand screen, and entered into a most spirited conversation, with all her old facility, and pleasantry, and singularity.