ˈskrüt( ə )nē, -ni also -üd.ən- or -ütən- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Latin scrutinium search, investigation, from scrutari to search, investigate, examine, from scruta trash, rags; perhaps akin to Old High German scrōt piece cut off — more at shred
1. archaic
a. : an act or instance of taking a formal vote by roll call or by secret ballot
the people went to a scrutiny and began to give their voices — Philemon Holland
b. : an official examination (as by a committee) of the votes or ballots cast in a parliamentary election
2.
a. : a searching study or inquiry : close inspection : examination , investigation
fine old houses … stand open to the scrutiny of the tourists — Monsanto Magazine
survived the cold scrutiny and judicious pruning of the committee — R.S.Churchill
are … diplomats to be terrified by the prospect of future public scrutinies staged by politicians — C.L.Sulzberger
b. : a searching look
the lynxlike scrutiny of counsel — L.P.Stryker
c. : a close watch : surveillance
keeps public officials under constant public scrutiny — American Guide Series: Massachusetts
3.
a. : a public examination of catechumens before baptism consisting of catechizings and exorcisms that form a part of the rite of baptism in the Roman Catholic Church
b. : an inquiry and examination preceding elevation to orders
c. : an ecclesiastical method of election by secret written ballot (as in a conclave)