Scan (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scanned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Scanning.] [L. scandere, scansum, to climb, to scan, akin to Skr. skand to spring, leap: cf. F. scander. Cf. Ascend, Descend, Scale a ladder.]

1.

To mount by steps; to go through with step by step.

[Obs.]

Nor stayed till she the highest stage had scand. Spenser.

2.

Specifically Pros., to go through with, as a verse, marking and distinguishing the feet of which it is composed; to show, in reading, the metrical structure of; to recite metrically.

3.

To go over and examine point by point; to examine with care; to look closely at or into; to scrutinize.

The actions of men in high stations are all conspicuous, and liable to be scanned and sifted. Atterbury.

<-- 4. To examine quickly, from point to point, in search of something specific; as, to scan an article for mention of a particular person.

5. (ELectronics) To form an image or an electronic representation of, by passing a beam of light or electrons over, and detecting and recording the reflected or transmitted signal. -->

 

© Webster 1913.