GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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Found one definition
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Scan (skăn), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scanned (skănd); p. pr. & vb. n. Scanning.] [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.]
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Nor stayed till she the highest stage had scand. Spenser.
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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.
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3. To go over and examine point by point; to examine with care; to look closely at or into; to scrutinize.
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The actions of men in high stations are all conspicuous, and liable to be scanned and sifted. Atterbury.
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4. To examine quickly, from point to point, in search of something specific; as, “to scan an article for mention of a particular person”.
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5. (Electronics) To form an image or an electronic representation of, by passing a beam of light or electrons over, and detecting and recording the reflected or transmitted signal.
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