Definition of: canvas

(kan′vəs) noun
1. A heavy, strong cloth of various grades, used for sails, tents, etc.
2. A piece of such cloth; a sail.
3. A strong, closely woven cloth stretched on a frame and prepared for the reception of colors, as in paintings.
4. A painting.
5. A square–meshed fabric of linen, silk, or the like, on which embroidery or tapestry is worked with a needle.
6. A tent; especially, a circus tent.
—under canvas
1. With sails set.
2. In tents. ◆ Homophone: canvass. [<AF canevas <L cannabis hemp]