poll

[[t]poʊl[/t]]

n.

1) gov a sampling or collection of opinions on a subject, taken from a selected or random group of persons, as for the purpose of analysis

2) gov the act of voting in an election

3) gov the registration of such votes

4) gov Usu., polls. the place where votes are cast

5) gov the number of votes cast

6) gov a list or enumeration of individuals, as for purposes of taxing or voting

7) anat. the head, esp. the part of it on which the hair grows

8) anat. the back of the head

9) zool. the rear portion of the head of a horse; the nape

10) zool. the part of the head between the ears of certain animals, as the horse and cow

11) the broad end or face of a hammer

12) gov to take a sampling of the attitudes or opinions of

13) gov to receive at the polls, as votes

14) gov to enroll (someone) in a list or register, as for purposes of taxing or voting

15) gov to take or register the votes of (persons)

16) gov to deposit or cast at the polls, as a vote

17) gov to bring to the polls, as voters

18) zool. to cut short or cut off the hair, wool, etc., of (an animal) or the horns of (cattle)

19) zool. to cut short or cut off (hair, wool, etc.)

20) bot to cut off the top of (a tree); pollard

21) to vote at the polls; cast one's vote

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME polle (hair of the) head < MLG: hair of the head, top of a tree or other plant; akin to Sw pull crown of the head poll′er, n.