canvass

Meaning

Verb

1. (figuratively, transitive) To thoroughly examine or investigate (something) physically or by discussion; to debate, to gather opinion, to scrutinize.
2. (Philippines, broadly, figuratively, transitive) To scrutinize (the ballot in an election or the votes cast) and reject irregular votes; also, to challenge or dispute (an election result).
3. (figuratively, transitive) To seek or solicit donations, information, opinions, support, etc. from (people or a place)
4. (figuratively, specifically, transitive) To seek the support of (voters or a constituency) in a forthcoming election or poll through personal solicitation or public addresses.
5. (obsolete, transitive) To toss (someone) in a (canvas) sheet for fun or as a punishment; to blanket.
6. (broadly, obsolete, transitive) To batter, beat, or thrash (someone or something).
7. (broadly, obsolete, transitive) To assail or attack (someone or something).
8. (broadly, obsolete, transitive) To severely criticize (a person, a written work, etc.).
9. (intransitive) To debate, to discuss.
10. (intransitive) To seek or solicit donations, information, opinions, support, etc.; to conduct a survey.
11. (intransitive, specifically) To seek the support of voters or a constituency in a forthcoming election or poll; to campaign.

Noun

1. (countable) A seeking or solicitation of donations, information, opinions, support, etc.
2. (countable, specifically) A seeking or solicitation, or determination, of support or favourable votes in a forthcoming election or poll.
3. (US, countable) A scrutiny of the votes cast in an election to reject irregular votes; also, a tally, audit, and certification of votes.
4. (countable, obsolete) A thorough discussion or investigation. (Possibly; the meaning is unclear.)
5. (obsolete, uncountable) Rejection (at an election, of a suit, etc.).

Noun

Obsolete spelling of canvas.

Synonyms

canvas

poll

study

examine

investigate

rally

public opinion poll

recruit

opinion poll

attract

campaign

woo

enrol

discuss

enlist

electioneer

sheet

research

canvas tent

sail

analyze

search

analyse

anatomize

secure

acquire

survey

earn

win

sift

get

gain

sound out

profit

probe

rummage

obtain

canvassing

accrue

disquisition

dispute

descant

investigation

demount

camp

calico

inspect

learn

look into

debate

Translations

werven

ingaggiare

alistar

recrutar

aanbrengen

aanwerven

anwerben

aliciar

angariar

engajar

arruolare

prüfen

onderzoeken

analyser

reclutar

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkænvəs/

Etymology

The verb is derived from canvas (“type of coarse cloth woven from hemp”). The connection between “to toss (someone) in a (canvas) sheet; (by extension) to batter, beat, or thrash (someone or something); etc.” and “to seek the support of voters or a constituency in a forthcoming election or poll” is not entirely clear.
The noun is derived from the verb. It has been suggested that noun sense 4.2 (“rejection (at an election, of a suit, etc.)”) may refer to the canvas bag used by journeymen mechanics which they used to pack up their tools after they had completed their jobs, in which case it is not derived from the verb but directly from canvas (noun).