/ ˈkænvəs; NAmE / verb
1.
canvass (sb) (for sth) to ask sb to support a particular person, political party, etc., especially by going around an area and talking to people :
[ v ]
He spent the whole month canvassing for votes.
[ vn ]
Party workers are busy canvassing local residents.
2.
[ vn ] to ask people about sth in order to find out what they think about it :
He has been canvassing opinion on the issue.
People are being canvassed for their views on the proposed new road.
3.
[ vn ] canvass support to try and get support from a group of people
SYN drum up
4.
[ vn ] to discuss an idea thoroughly :
The proposal is currently being canvassed.
► can·vass noun :
to carry out a canvass
► can·vass·er noun
••
WORD ORIGIN
early 16th cent. ( toss in a canvas sheet (in the sense as a sport or punishment)): from canvas . Later extended senses include criticize, discuss (mid 16th cent.) and propose for discussion ; hence seek support for .