1
- with obj. solicit votes from (electors in a constituency)（在选区）向（选民）拉选票：
in each ward, two workers canvassed some 2,000 voters
两位工作者在每个选区拉了大约2,000张选票
no obj. he's canvassing for the Green Party.他正在为绿党拉选票。
1.1
- question (someone) in order to ascertain their opinion on something询问以征求意见：
they promised to canvass all member clubs for their views.
他们许诺将征求所有成员俱乐部的意见。
1.2
- ascertain (someone's opinion) by questioning them以询问方式探知（某人意见）：
opinions on the merger were canvassed.
就合并事宜征求意见。
1.3
- try to obtain; request设法得到; 请求：
they're canvassing support among shareholders.
他们设法在股东中间获得支持。
2
- with obj.（常作be canvassed）Brit. propose (an idea or plan) for discussion〈英〉提出（观点, 计划）供讨论：
early retirement was canvassed as a solution to the problem of unemployment.
提前退休被作为一种解决失业问题的途径得到了讨论。
2.1
- discuss thoroughly彻底讨论：
the issues that were canvassed are still unresolved.
曾被全面讨论的问题仍悬而未决。
usu. in sing.
- an act or process of attempting to secure votes or ascertain opinions拉选票; 征求意见：
a house-to-house canvass.
逐户拉选票。
派生词
canvasser
noun词源
early 16th cent. （in the sense 'toss in a canvas sheet' (as a sport or punishment)）： from CANVAS. Later extended senses include 'criticize， discuss' （mid 16th cent.） and 'propose for discussion'; hence 'seek support for'.