canvass
verb
[ ˈkanvəs ]
• solicit votes from (electors or members).
• "in each ward, two workers canvassed some 2,000 voters"
• propose (an idea or plan) for discussion.
• "early retirement was canvassed as a solution to the problem of unemployment"
canvass
noun
• an act of canvassing.
• "a house-to-house canvass"
Origin:
early 16th century (in the sense ‘toss in a canvas sheet’ (as a sport or punishment)): from canvas. Later extended senses include ‘criticize, discuss’ (mid 16th century) and ‘propose for discussion’; hence ‘seek support for’.
