Sekirov Dictionary

canvass

/ˈkænvəs/

verb 11
noun 5
forms 4

verb11

•
To seek or solicit donations, information, opinions, support, etc. from (people or a place)
- The police are canvassing the neighbourhood for information about the missing child.
•
To seek the support of (voters or a constituency) in a forthcoming election or poll through personal solicitation or public addresses.
- The electoral candidate canvassed the district for votes.
•
To seek or solicit donations, information, opinions, support, etc.; to conduct a survey.
- Queene Elizabeth, being to resolue vpon a great Officer, and being by some, that canuassed for others, put in some doubt of that person, vvhõ she meant to aduance, […] — 1625
•
To seek the support of voters or a constituency in a forthcoming election or poll; to campaign.
- Indeed, I know nothing so abject as the behaviour of a man canvassing for a seat in parliament— […] — 1771
•
To thoroughly examine or investigate (something) physically or by discussion; to debate, to gather opinion, to scrutinize.
- And with the aunswere here vpon eftsoones in hand they go, / The doubtfull wordes wherof they scan and canuas to and fro. — 1567
(Philippines) To scrutinize (the ballot in an election or the votes cast) and reject irregular votes; also, to challenge or dispute (an election result).
•
To debate, to discuss.
- I pulled down to Mr. Turnbull's, and told him my good and bad fortune. It being late, he ordered me some dinner in his study, and we sat there canvassing over the affair. — 1834
•
(no longer used) To severely criticize (a person, a written work, etc.).
- So voluntarily, so freely, so coolly to canvass it! — 1814
(no longer used) To batter, beat, or thrash (someone or something).
(no longer used) To assail or attack (someone or something).
•
(no longer used) To toss (someone) in a (canvas) sheet for fun or as a punishment; to blanket.
- Thou that giu'st VVhores Indulgences to sinne, / Ile canuas thee in thy broad Cardinalls Hat, / If thou proceed in this thy insolence. — 1591

noun5

•
A seeking or solicitation of donations, information, opinions, support, etc.
- By this harmonious distribution, the honors, which had before been held up to the highest bidder, or made the subject of a furious canvass, became the incentive and sure recompense of desert. — 1838
A seeking or solicitation, or determination, of support or favourable votes in a forthcoming election or poll.
(US) A scrutiny of the votes cast in an election to reject irregular votes; also, a tally, audit, and certification of votes.
(no longer used) A thorough discussion or investigation. (Possibly; the meaning is unclear.)
•
(no longer used) Rejection (at an election, of a suit, etc.).
- And now I'll tell thee, I have promis'd him / As much as marriage comes to, and I lose / My honour, if my don receive the canvas. — 1626

forms

canvassed · canvassing · canvasses · canvasseth

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