To overlook; view at large, as from a commanding position; take a comprehensive view of.To oversee; view with a scrutinizing eye; examine; scrutinize.To inspect or examine with reference to situation, condition, and value; inspect carefully: as, to survey a building to determine its value, etc.To determine the boundaries, extent, position, etc., of, as of any part of the earth's surface by means of linear and angular measurements, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry; determine the form and dimensions of, as of tracts of ground, coasts, harbors, etc., so as to be able to delineate their several shapes and positions on paper. See surveying.To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.To see; perceive; observe.n. A general view; a comprehensive prospect.n. A particular view; an examination or inspection of all the parts or particulars of a thing, with a design to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality: as, a survey of the stores, provisions, or munitions of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings intended to ascertain their condition, value, and exposure to fire.n. In insurance, a plan or description, or both, of the present existing state or condition of the thing insured, including commonly in applications for fire-insurance the present mode of use so far as material to the risk; more loosely, the description or representations, including interrogatories and answers, constituting the application drawn up or adopted by the agent of the insurer.n. The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of any part of the earth's surface, coast, harbor, tract of land, etc., and representing the same on paper; also, the measured plan, account, or exposition of such an operation. See surveying, and ordnance survey (under ordnance).n. A species of auction, in which farms are disposed of for a period covering three lives.n. A district for the collection of the customs, under the inspection and authority of a particular officer.n. [caps.] The former name of the United States governmental bureau having charge of the national hydrographic and geodetic work. Now officially called the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.