Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            I have made careful search on all hands, and
            canvassed the matter with all possible diligence.
                                                  --Woodward.

   2. To examine by discussion; to debate.

            An opinion that we are likely soon to canvass. --Sir
                                                  W. Hamilton.

   3. To go trough, with personal solicitation or public
      addresses; as, to canvass a district for votes; to canvass
      a city for subscriptions.