Canvass

v. t. [imp. & p. p. CANVASSED (kăn'-vast); p. pr. & vb. n. CANVASSING.] [O. Fr. can-basser, canabasser, to examine curiously, to search or sift out, as canvas in O. Eng., and probably in O. Fr., signified also a sieve, a straining cloth. See supra.] 1. To sift; to strain; to examine thoroughly; to search or scrutinize; as, to canvass the votes for senators. 2. To take up for discussion; to debate. An opinion that we are likely soon to canvass. Sir W. Hamilton. 3. To go through in the way of solicitation; as, to canvass a district for votes.

v. i. To solicit votes or interest; to use efforts to obtain an office or position; to seek, followed by for; as, to canvass for a seat in parliament; to canvass for a friend. Bacon.