Can″vass (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.canvassed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Canvassing.] [OF. Canabasser to examine curiously, to search or sift out; properly, to sift through canvas. See Canvas, n.] 1. To sift; to strain; to examine thoroughly; to scrutinize; as, to canvass the votes cast at an election; to canvass a district with reference to its probable vote.
I have made careful search on all hands, and canvassed the matter with all possible diligence.
Woodward.
2. To examine by discussion; to debate.
An opinion that we are likely soon to canvass.
Sir W. Hamilton.
3. To go through, with personal solicitation or public addresses; as, to canvass a district for votes; to canvass a city for subscriptions.