Definition of the word polling

The word "polling" originated in the 14th century from the Middle English word "poll" meaning "head" or "top" of something. In ancient times, voting was conducted by pressing one's thumb onto a small object attached to a wooden or stone tablet, called the "poll" or "bolle." The thumbprint left on the object served as a visible mark or symbol of a vote, and the tablets were later counted and tallied to determine the outcome of the election. This method of voting came to be known as "polling" or "poll" in reference to the physical act of pressing one's thumb onto the object. The use of modern polling techniques, such as surveys and opinion polls, has expanded the interpretation of the term to encompass the gathering of public opinion and attitudes through questionnaires, interviews, and other methods.