Pan \Pan\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Panned}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Panning}.]
1. (Mining) To separate, as gold, from dirt or sand, by
washing in a kind of pan. [U. S.]

We . . . witnessed the process of cleaning up and
panning out, which is the last process of separating
the pure gold from the fine dirt and black sand.
--Gen. W. T.
Sherman.

2. To criticise (a drama or literary work) harshly.
[PJC]