canvass Definition

canvass
verb canvassed, canvassing

tr & intr
1. To ask for votes or support from someone.
2. To find out the opinions of, (voters, etc).

Thesaurus: poll, review, sound out, test, consult, check, survey, analyse, examine.
3. To discuss or examine (a question) in detail.

noun

canvasses
1. A solicitation of information, votes, opinions, etc.

Derivative: canvasser
noun

Etymology: 16c: from canvas in an obsolete sense ‘to toss in a canvas sheet, eg as a punishment', thus ‘to criticize severely'.