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. [ 1913 Webster ]

I have made careful search on all hands, and canvassed the matter with all possible diligence. Woodward. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To examine by discussion; to debate. [ 1913 Webster ]

An opinion that we are likely soon to canvass. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To go through, with personal solicitation or public addresses; as, to canvass a district for votes; to canvass a city for subscriptions. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Close inspection; careful review for verification; as, a canvass of votes. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Examination in the way of discussion or debate. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Search; exploration; solicitation; systematic effort to obtain votes, subscribers, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

No previous canvass was made for me. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who canvasses. [ 1913 Webster ]