What does fan stitch mean?

In crochet, a fan stitch is a group of stitches worked into one stitch. In most cases the stitches would be a combination of chains and stitches. For example, you might work double crochets separated by chain stitches or you might work 4 double crochets, a chain, and then another 4 double crochets. It doesn't have to be 4. It can be any number. The stitches should look similar to a paper fan or scallop. If the pattern calls for multiple rows of fan stitches, they are generally placed one on top of the other. Fan stitches can be small or large and incorporate any number of stitches, but the individual stitches are all worked into one stitch from the previous row.