Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Scan
Scan
(skăn)
, Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Scanned
(skănd)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Scanning
.] 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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Scan
SCAN
,Verb.
T.
1.
To examine with critical care; to scrutinize.The actions of men in high stations are all conspicuous, and liable to be scanned and sifted.
2.
To examine a verse by counting the feet; or according to modern usage, to recite or measure verse by distinguishing the feet in pronunciation. Thus in Latin and Greek, a hexameter verse is resolved into six feet by scanning, and the true quantities are determined.