Category:Scan

Scan, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scanned; p. pr. & vb. n. Scanning.] Etym: [l. scandere, scansum, to climb, to scan, akin to skr. skand to Spring, leap: cf. F. scander. Cf. Ascend, descend, scale a ladder.]

1. To mount by steps; to go through with step by step. [obs.] Nor stayed till she the highest stage had scand. Spenser.

2. Specifically (pros.), to go through with, as a verse, marking and Distinguishing the feet of which it is composed; to show, in reading, The metrical structure of; to recite metrically.

3. To go over and examine point by point; to examine with care; to Look closely at or into; to scrutinize. The actions of men in high stations are all conspicuous, and liable To be scanned and sifted. Atterbury.