canvass

Canvass is defined as to carefully examine or discuss something or to go through an area to get votes, orders or survey answers.

(verb)

The definition of a canvass is an examination or an act asking for votes, orders or survey responses.

(noun)

An example of a canvass is a thorough search of an area.
An example of a canvass is knocking on peoples' doors asking them to buy a product.

See canvass in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to examine or discuss in detail; look over carefully
to go through (places) or among (people) asking for (votes, opinions, orders, etc.)

Origin: < canvas < ? use of canvas for sifting

intransitive verb

to try to get votes, orders, etc.; solicit

noun

the act of canvassing, esp. in an attempt to estimate the outcome of an election, sales campaign, etc.

Related Forms:

See canvass in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb can·vassed, can·vass·ing, can·vass·es

verb, transitive

To examine carefully or discuss thoroughly; scrutinize: “The evidence had been repeatedly canvassed in American courts” (Anthony Lewis).
a. To go through (a region) or go to (persons) to solicit votes or orders.
b. To conduct a survey of (public opinion); poll.

verb, intransitive