Can"vass (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. canvassed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Canvassing.] [OF. Canabasser to examine curiously, to search or sift out; properly, to sift through canvas. See Canvas, n.]

1.

To sift; to strain; to examine thoroughly; to scrutinize; as, to canvass the votes cast at an election; to canvass a district with reference to its probable vote.

I have made careful search on all hands, and canvassed the matter with all possible diligence. Woodward.

2.

To examine by discussion; to debate.

An opinion that we are likely soon to canvass. Sir W. Hamilton.

3.

To go trough, with personal solicitation or public addresses; as, to canvass a district for votes; to canvass a city for subscriptions.

 

© Webster 1913.


Can"vass, v. i.

To search thoroughly; to engage in solicitation by traversing a district; as, to canvass for subscriptions or for votes; to canvass for a book, a publisher, or in behalf of a charity; -- commonly followed by for.

 

© Webster 1913.


Can"vass, n.

1.

Close inspection; careful review for verification; as, a canvass of votes.

Bacon.

2.

Examination in the way of discussion or debate.

3.

Search; exploration; solicitation; systematic effort to obtain votes, subscribers, etc.

No previous canvass was made for me. Burke.

 

© Webster 1913.