Scru"ti*ny (?), n. [L.
scrutinium, fr. scrutari to search carefully,
originally, to search even to the rags, fr. scruta trash,
trumpery; perhaps akin to E. shred: cf. AS. scrudnian to
make scrutiny.] 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, v. t. To
scrutinize. [Obs.]