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}, {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}]