I. sər-ˈvā, ˈsər-ˌ verb
( sur·veyed ; sur·vey·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French surveer, to look over, from sur- + veer to see — more at view
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to examine as to condition, situation, or value : appraise
b. : to query (someone) in order to collect data for the analysis of some aspect of a group or area
2. : to determine and delineate the form, extent, and position of (as a tract of land) by taking linear and angular measurements and by applying the principles of geometry and trigonometry
3. : to view or consider comprehensively
4. : inspect , scrutinize
he survey ed us in a lordly way — Alan Harrington
intransitive verb
: to make a survey
II. ˈsər-ˌvā, sər-ˈ noun
( plural surveys )
Date: 1548
1. : the act or an instance of surveying: as
a. : a broad treatment of a subject
b. : poll 5a
2. : something that is surveyed