canvass

canvass (http://definr.com/canvass)

     n 1: the setting for a narrative or fictional or dramatic
          account; "the crowded canvas of history;" "the movie
          demanded a dramatic canvas of sound" [syn: canvas]
     2: an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a
        random sample of people [syn: poll, opinion poll, {public
        opinion poll}]
     3: a large piece of fabric (as canvas) by means of which wind
        is used to propel a sailing vessel [syn: sail, canvas,
         sheet]
     4: a tent made of canvas [syn: canvas tent, canvas]
     5: an oil painting on canvas [syn: canvas]
     6: the mat that forms the floor of the ring in which boxers or
        professional wrestlers compete; "the boxer picked himself
        up off the canvas" [syn: canvas]
     7: heavy closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or
        sails or tents) [syn: canvas]
     v 1: get the opinions of people, for example [syn: poll, canvas]
     2: solicit votes from potential voters in an electoral campaign
        [syn: canvas]
     3: consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to
        discover essential features or meaning; "analyze a sonnet
        by Shakespeare"; "analyze the evidence in a criminal
        trial"; "analyze your real motives" [syn: analyze, analyse,
         study, examine]