Canvass (verb)

1. To solicit votes, orders, or opinions from (a group of people).
2. To examine or discuss thoroughly; scrutinize.
3. To cover a surface with canvas or a similar material.

Origin:

From old french canevas (canvas).

Examples:

1. The politician went door-to-door to canvass for votes.
2. The company sent out a survey to canvass customer opinions.
3. The committee will canvass the candidates' backgrounds before making a decision.
4. The artist canvassed the entire floor before beginning the mural.
5. The boat was canvassed to protect the passengers from the sun.