can·vass / ˈkanvəs/ • v. 1. [tr.] solicit votes from (electors in a constituency): in each ward, two workers canvassed some 2,000 voters | [intr.] she canvassed for votes. ∎  question (someone) in order to ascertain their opinion on something. ∎  ascertain (someone's opinion) through questioning: opinions on the merger were canvassed. ∎  try to obtain; request: they're canvassing support among shareholders.2. [tr.] (often be canvassed) discuss thoroughly: the issues that were canvassed are still unresolved.• n. [usu. in sing.] an act or process of attempting to secure votes or ascertain opinions: a house-to-house canvass.DERIVATIVES: can·vass·er n.

CANVASS

CANVASS, to ascertain by direct personal approach how citizens intend to vote in a coming election or to seek public opinion on a candidate or issue. The practice was somewhat less common in the early 2000s because of polls made by local Newspapers and by magazines of wide national circulation, as well as polls taken by more sophisticated methods used by professional polling services. More loosely, to canvass means to campaign for the support of a given candidate or for the political ticket supported by a given party. Canvass also refers to an official examination of ballots cast in an election to determine authenticity and to verify the outcome of the election.

Robert C.Brooks/a. g.

See alsoBallot ; Blocs .

canvass
A. †toss in a canvas sheet, (hence) criticize destructively, discuss.

B. solicit votes, etc. XVI. f. CANVAS; the emergence of sense B is difficult to account for.