[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

canvass \can"vass\, v. t. imp.  p. p. canvassed; p. pr. 
   vb. n. canvassing. of. canabasser to examine curiously,
   to search or sift out; properly, to sift through canvas. see
   canvas, n.
   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.
      1913 webster

            i have made careful search on all hands, and
            canvassed the matter with all possible diligence.
                                                  --woodward.
      1913 webster

   2. to examine by discussion; to debate.
      1913 webster

            an opinion that we are likely soon to canvass. --sir
                                                  w. hamilton.
      1913 webster

   3. to go through, with personal solicitation or public
      addresses; as, to canvass a district for votes; to canvass
      a city for subscriptions.
      1913 webster
see also:
canvassed canvassing canvas 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

canvassing
     n : persuasion of voters in a political campaign syn: electioneering,
          bell ringing
see also:
electioneering bell ringing 

Canvassing >> C Words
Canvassing, definition of term: Canvassing
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