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.]
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.