From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Scan \Scan\ (sk[a^]n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Scanned} (sk[a^]nd);
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.]
[1913 Webster]
Nor stayed till she the highest stage had scand.
--Spenser.
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[1913 Webster]
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.
[PJC]
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.
[PJC]
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