canvass
[ kan-vuhs ]
/ ˈkæn vəs /
verb (used with object)
to solicit votes, subscriptions, opinions, or the like from.
to examine carefully; investigate by inquiry; discuss; debate.
verb (used without object)
to solicit votes, opinions, or the like.
noun
a soliciting of votes, orders, or the like.
a campaign for election to government office.
close inspection; scrutiny.
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Origin of canvass
First recorded in 1500–10; originally a spelling variant of canvas, as a verb; the sense “discuss” apparently a development of the earlier senses “toss in a canvas sheet,” and “harshly criticize”; the sense “solicit votes” is obscurely derived
OTHER WORDS FROM canvass
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH canvass
canvas, canvassDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for canvass
British Dictionary definitions for canvass
canvass
/ (ˈkænvəs) /
verb
to solicit votes, orders, advertising, etc, from
to determine the feelings and opinions of (voters before an election, etc), esp by conducting a survey
to investigate (something) thoroughly, esp by discussion or debate
mainly US to inspect (votes) officially to determine their validity
noun
a solicitation of opinions, votes, sales orders, etc
close inspection; scrutiny
Derived forms of canvass
canvasser, nouncanvassing, nounWord Origin for canvass
C16: probably from obsolete sense of canvas (to toss someone in a canvas sheet, hence, to harass, criticize); the development of current senses is unexplained
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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