To examine; scrutinize.SpecificallyTo sift or examine by way of discussion; discuss; debate.To sift or investigate by inquiry; examine as to opinions, desires, or intentions; apply to or address for the purpose of influencing action, or of ascertaining a probable result: as, to canvass the people of a city with reference to an approaching election, for the promotion of a public undertaking, or the like.To traverse for the purpose of inquiry or solicitation; apply to or address the inhabitants of with reference to prospective action: as, to canvass a district for votes, for subscriptions, etc.To shake; take to task. See canvas, transitive verb, 2.To solicit or go about soliciting votes, interest, orders, subscriptions, or the like: followed by for: as, to canvass for an office or preferment; to canvass for a friend; to canvass for a mercantile firm.n. Examination; close inspection; scrutiny: as, a canvass of votes. Specificallyn. An examination or scrutiny of a body of men, in order to ascertain their opinions or their intentions, especially whether they will vote for or against a given measure or candidate; an estimate of the number of votes cast or to be cast for or against a candidate or bill: as, a canvass of the legislature disclosed a majority of six in favor of the measure.n. A seeking; solicitation; specifically, systematic solicitation for the votes and support of a district or of individuals by a candidate for office or by his friends.n. Discussion; debate.