Can·vass v. t. [imp. & p. p. canvassed p. pr. & vb. n. Canvassing.]
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.
canvassing
n : persuasion of voters in a political campaign [syn: electioneering,
bell ringing]