Definition of: canvass

(kan′vəs) noun
1. The going about to solicit orders, interest, or votes.
2. A political campaign.
3. A survey taken to ascertain sentiment.
4. A detailed examination; especially, a sifting of votes in an election; a recount.
—v.t.
1. To go about an area to solicit, as votes.
2. To scrutinize; examine; sift.
—v.i.
3. To go about seeking votes, orders or the like: to canvass for votes. See synonyms under EXAMINE. ◆ Homophone: canvas. [<CANVAS; with ref. to the earlier use of canvas for sifting]
—can′vass·er noun