Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SUR-VEY, v.t. [Norm. surveer, surveoir; sur and Fr. voir, to see or look, contracted from L. video, videre.]

1. To inspect or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; as, to stand on a hill, and survey the surrounding country. It denotes more particular and deliberate attention than look or see.
2. To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine. With such alter'd looks, / All pale and speechless, he survey'd me round. – Dryden.
3. To examine with reference to condition, situation and value; as, to survey a building to determine its value and exposure to loss by fire.
4. To measure, as land; or to ascertain the contents of land, by lines and angles.
5. To examine or ascertain the position and distances of objects on the shore of the sea, the depth of water, nature of the bottom, and whatever may be necessary to facilitate the navigation of the waters and render the entrance into harbors, sounds and rivers easy and safe. Thus officers are employed to survey the coast and make charts of the same.
6. To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
7. To examine and ascertain, as the state of agriculture.