Wiktionary:Word of the day/2022/March 25

1. (transitive)
   1. (obsolete)
      1. To toss (someone) in a (canvas) sheet for fun or as a punishment; to blanket.
      2. (by extension) To batter, beat, or thrash (someone or something).
      3. (by extension) To assail or attack (someone or something).
      4. (by extension) To severely criticize (a person, a written work, etc.).
   2. (figuratively)
      1. To thoroughly examine or investigate (something) physically or by discussion; to debate, to gather opinion, to scrutinize.
      2. (by extension, politics, obsolete except US) To scrutinize (the ballot in an election or the votes cast) and reject irregular votes; also, to challenge or dispute (an election result).
      3. To seek or solicit donations, information, opinions, support, etc. from (people or a place).
      4. (specifically, politics) To seek the support of (voters or a constituency) in a forthcoming election or poll through personal solicitation or public addresses.
2. (intransitive)
   1. To debate, to discuss.
   2. To seek or solicit donations, information, opinions, support, etc.; to conduct a survey.
   3. (specifically, politics) To seek the support of voters or a constituency in a forthcoming election or poll; to campaign.

canvass n

1. (countable) A seeking or solicitation of donations, information, opinions, support, etc.
2. (countable, specifically, politics) A seeking or solicitation, or determination, of support or favourable votes in a forthcoming election or poll.
3. (countable, US, politics) A scrutiny of the votes cast in an election to reject irregular votes; also, a tally, audit, and certification of votes.
4. (obsolete)
   1. (countable) A thorough discussion or investigation. (Possibly; the meaning is unclear.)
   2. (uncountable) Rejection (at an election, of a suit, etc.).