CANVASS

canvass. Canvass, v.t. to examin, sift, sue for honor

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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. 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. 2. To examine by discussion; to debate.
An opinion that we are likely soon to canvass. Sir W. Hamilton. 3. 3. To go through, with personal solicitation or public addresses; as, to canvass a district for votes; to canvass a city for subscriptions.