Scru'ti-ny1, n.
n. [Lat. scrutinium, from scrutari, to search carefully, originally to search even to the rags, from scruta, also gruta, Gr. γρύτη, trash, trumpery; It. scrutinio, Sp. escrutinio, Fr. scrutin, A-S. scrudnian, to make scrutiny.] 1. Close search; minute inquiry; critical examination; as, a scrutiny of votes.
Thenceforth I thought thee worth my nearer view And narrower scrutiny. Milton.
- (Anc. Church.) An examination of catechumens in the last week of Lent, who were to receive baptism on Easter-day. This was performed with prayers, exorcisms, and many other ceremonies.
- (Canon Law.) A ticket or little paper billet on which a vote is written.
- (Parliamentary Practice.) An examination of the votes given at an election, by a committee, for the purpose of correcting the poll. Brande.