What is the meaning of canvass?

noun

• The setting for a narrative or fictional or dramatic account.
  • usage: "the crowded canvas of history"; "the movie demanded a dramatic canvas of sound"
  • synonyms: canvas
• An inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people.
  • synonyms: poll, opinion poll, public opinion poll
• A large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel.
  • synonyms: sail, canvas, sheet
• A tent made of canvas fabric.
  • synonyms: canvas tent, canvas
• An oil painting on canvas fabric.
  • synonyms: canvas
• The mat that forms the floor of the ring in which boxers or professional wrestlers compete.
  • usage: "the boxer picked himself up off the canvas"
  • synonyms: canvas
• A heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents.
  • synonyms: canvas

verb

• Get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions.
  • synonyms: poll, canvas
• Solicit votes from potential voters in an electoral campaign.
  • synonyms: canvas
• Consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning.
  • usage: "analyze a sonnet by Shakespeare"; "analyze the evidence in a criminal trial"; "analyze your real motives"
  • synonyms: analyze, analyse, study, examine, canvas