scrutiny Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
    examination.
  2. noun a prolonged intense look

WordNet

Scru"ti*ny noun
Etymology
L. scrutinium, fr. scrutari to search carefuly, originally, to search even to the rags, fr. scruta trash, trumpery; perhaps akin to E. shred: cf. AS. scrudnian to make scrutiny.
Definitions
  1. Close examination; minute inspection; critical observation.
    They that have designed exactness and deep scrutiny have taken some one part of nature. Sir M. Hale.
    Thenceforth I thought thee worth my nearer view And narrower scrutiny. Milton.
  2. (Anc. Church) An examination of catechumens, in the last week of Lent, who were to receive baptism on Easter Day.
  3. (Canon Law) A ticket, or little paper billet, on which a vote is written.
  4. (Parliamentary Practice) An examination by a committee of the votes given at an election, for the purpose of correcting the poll. Brande & C.
Scru"ti*ny transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To scrutinize. Obs.

Webster 1913