If you canvass public opinion, you find out how people feel about a particular subject. Members of Parliament are spending the weekend canvassing opinion in their constituencies
(I) The sections at either end of the boat beyond the seating - (bow canvass and stern canvass), so called because originally the coverings for these sections was made of canvass
a large piece of fabric (as canvas) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
{i} examination, careful inspection; solicitation of votes or opinions; discussion, debate
go around asking, as in: Canvass the neighborhood to see if anyone saw the suspect
If you canvass for a particular person or political party, you go around an area trying to persuade people to vote for that person or party. I'm canvassing for the Conservative Party + canvasser canvassers can·vass·er a Conservative canvasser
To search thoroughly; to engage in solicitation by traversing a district; as, to canvass for subscriptions or for votes; to canvass for a book, a publisher, or in behalf of a charity; commonly followed by for
To go through, with personal solicitation or public addresses; as, to canvass a district for votes; to canvass a city for subscriptions
an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people