Canvass

Quick meaning: Canvass is a verb meaning To thoroughly examine or investigate (something) physically or by discussion; to debate, to gather opinion, to scrutinize.

Meaning

To thoroughly examine or investigate (something) physically or by discussion; to debate, to gather opinion, to scrutinize.

More Meanings

1. To scrutinize (the ballot in an election or the votes cast) and reject irregular votes; also, to challenge or dispute (an election result).
2. To seek or solicit donations, information, opinions, support, etc. from (people or a place)
3. To seek the support of (voters or a constituency) in a forthcoming election or poll through personal solicitation or public addresses.
4. To toss (someone) in a (canvas) sheet for fun or as a punishment; to blanket.
5. To batter, beat, or thrash (someone or something).
6. To assail or attack (someone or something).
7. To severely criticize (a person, a written work, etc.).

Example Sentences

I have made careful ſearch on all hands, and canvaſs’d the Matter with all poſſible Diligence, […]

And with the aunſwere here vpon eftſoones in hand they go, / The doubtfull wordes wherof they ſcan and canuas to and fro.

They think marriage with a worthy man of your own faith, would tend to eſtabliſh it. You think aſſuming the veil the only expedient. This ſubject has been much canvaſſed.

Vpon feſtiuall dayes he goes to Court, & ſalutes without reſaluting: at night in an Ordinary he canuaſſeth the buſineſſe in hand, and ſeems as conuerſant with all intents and plots as if he begot them.

Word Forms

• canvasses
• canvassing
• canvassed
• canvas

Synonyms for canvass

Depending on context, synonyms include canvas, sheet, sail, poll.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include poll, sheet, sail, neighbouring, collect, gather.

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