canvass etymology

Etymology

The word "canvass" comes from the Old French word "canevas," which refers to a coarse, hempen fabric. This fabric was used to make sails, tents, and other similar items.

Meaning

In modern English, "canvass" has several related meanings:

• Noun: A strong, coarse fabric used for making sails, tents, and other durable items.
• Noun: A preliminary sketch or outline of a painting or drawing.
• Verb: To solicit votes or opinions by visiting people's homes or businesses.
• Verb: To discuss or debate an issue thoroughly.

Origin

The Old French word "canevas" is ultimately derived from the Latin word "cannabis," which refers to the hemp plant. This is because hemp fibers were commonly used to make coarse fabrics in ancient times.

Additional Information

• The word "canvasback" (a type of duck) is derived from the canvas-like material that covers the back of this bird.
• The term "canvasing" (the act of visiting people's homes to solicit votes or opinions) originally referred to the practice of using a canvas bag to carry ballots or petitions.

canvass relate terms

• canvas

  Etymology The word canvas originates from the Old French word canevas which itself

• cannabis

  Etymology The word cannabis is derived from the Greek word κάνναβις kannab

• sail

  Etymology The word sail has been derived from two possible roots Old English segol

• poll

  Etymology The word poll has several etymological origins Latin capita meaning h

• poll

  Etymology The word poll has several etymological origins Latin capita meaning h

• miscegenation

  Etymology Late 19th century from French miscégenation from miscegenare from Latin m

• tent

  Etymology The word tent originates from the Old French word tente which itself comes

• name

  Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It is a branch of historica

• mane

  Etymology Old English manu Proto Germanic manw Proto Indo European men to th

• amen

  Etymology Amen originated from the Hebrew word ʾāmēn אָמֵן which is a transl

• mean

  Etymology Old English mǣne Proto Germanic mainiz Proto Indo European mei to think

• follow

  Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It looks at how words have