Variant: also can · vas
Pronunciation: ' kan-v ə s
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: can · vassed ; can · vas · sing
Date: 1508
1 obsolete : to toss in a canvas sheet in sport or punishment
2 a : to examine in detail specifically : to examine (votes) officially for authenticity b : DISCUSS , DEBATE
3 : to go through (a district) or go to (persons) in order to solicit orders or political support or to determine opinions or sentiments < canvass voters>
intransitive verb : to seek orders or votes : SOLICIT
– can · vass · er also can · vas · er noun