from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Survey \Sur*vey"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Surveyed}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Surveying}.] [OF. surveoir, surveer; sur, sor, over, E.
sur + veoir, veeir, to see, F. voir, L. videre. See {Sur-},
and {Vision}, and cf. {Supervise}.]
1. To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as
from a high place; to overlook; as, to stand on a hill,
and survey the surrounding country.
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Round he surveys and well might, where he stood,
So high above. --Milton.
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2. To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
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With such altered looks, . . .
All pale and speechless, he surveyed me round.
--Dryden.
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3. To examine with reference to condition, situation, value,
etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of; as, to survey
a building in order to determine its value and exposure to
loss by fire.
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4. To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a
tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of
linear and angular measurments, and the application of the
principles of geometry and trigonometry; as, to survey
land or a coast.
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5. To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties
of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and
value of the same. [Eng.] --Jacob (Law Dict.).
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