'canvass' originates from the Old French word 'canevas', which referred to a type of cloth used for sails and tents, metaphorically extended to mean 'to examine closely'.

'canevas' transformed into the English word 'canvass', initially used in the context of examining or scrutinizing.

Initially, it meant 'to examine closely', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to solicit votes or opinions'.