from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Canvass \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. 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.
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I have made careful search on all hands, and
canvassed the matter with all possible diligence.
--Woodward.
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2. To examine by discussion; to debate.
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An opinion that we are likely soon to canvass. --Sir
W. Hamilton.
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3. To go through, with personal solicitation or public
addresses; as, to canvass a district for votes; to canvass
a city for subscriptions.
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