Scān, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. SCANNED; p. pr. & vb. n. SCANNING.] [Fr. scander, O. Fr. escander, Sp. escandir, It. scandire, from Lat. scandere, to climb, to scan.]
- To mount by steps; to go through with step by step; specifically, to go through with, as a verse, marking and distinguishing the feet of which it is composed; to show, in reading, the metrical structure of; to recite metrically.
- To go over and examine point by point; to examine with care; to scrutinize.
The actions of men in high stations are all conspicuous, and liable to be scanned and sifted. Atterbury.