canvass (n.)

  1. the setting for a narrative or fictional or dramatic account; the crowded canvas of history; the movie demanded a dramatic canvas of sound

    [ Syn: canvas ]

  2. an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people

    [ Syn: poll , opinion poll , public opinion poll ]

  3. a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel

    [ Syn: sail , canvas , sheet ]

  4. a tent made of canvas fabric

    [ Syn: canvas tent , canvas ]

  5. an oil painting on canvas fabric

    [ Syn: canvas ]

  6. the mat that forms the floor of the ring in which boxers or professional wrestlers compete; the boxer picked himself up off the canvas

    [ Syn: canvas ]

  7. a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

    [ Syn: canvas ]

    canvass (v.)

  1. get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions

    [ Syn: poll , canvas ]

  2. solicit votes from potential voters in an electoral campaign

    [ Syn: canvas ]

  3. consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning; analyze a sonnet by Shakespeare; analyze the evidence in a criminal trial; analyze your real motives

    [ Syn: analyze , analyse , study , examine , canvas ]

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.