Definition of "Canvass" :
noun: a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
noun: the mat that forms the floor of the ring in which boxers or professional wrestlers compete
noun: an oil painting on canvas fabric
noun: a tent made of canvas fabric
noun: a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
noun: an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people
noun: the setting for a narrative or fictional or dramatic account
verb: consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
verb: get the opinions (of people) by asking specific questions
verb: solicit votes from potential voters in an electoral campaign