The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Fan palm \Fan" palm`\ (Bot.)
   Any palm tree having fan-shaped or radiate leaves; as the
   Cham[ae]rops humilis of Southern Europe; the species of
   Sabal and Thrinax in the West Indies, Florida, etc.; and
   especially the great talipot tree (Corypha umbraculifera)
   of Ceylon and Malaya. The leaves of the latter are often
   eighteen feet long and fourteen wide, and are used for
   umbrellas, tents, and roofs. When cut up, they are used for
   books and manuscripts.
   [1913 Webster]