Etymology From Middle English scrutiny, from Medieval Latin scrūtinium (“a search, an inquiry”), from Vulgar Latin scrūtor (“to search or examine thoroughly”), from Late Latin scrūta (“rubbish, broken trash”), from an extension of Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to cut”).
1
Usually Intense study of someone or something.
Thenceforth I thought thee worth my nearer view / And narrower scrutiny.1671, John Milton, “The First Book”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for John Starkey […], →OCLC, page 4:
So much for the occupant of the britscha, who waits, as all the horses are out at a ball or a scrutiny.1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XVII, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume II, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, page 189:
2 more examples
Younger [Customs] examiners, who, perhaps, have not yet acquired the intuition resulting from years of experience, seem partly responsible for the closer examination of incoming luggage. Not only is this closer scrutiny arousing feelings of resentment among passengers, but it is causing serious delays in the departure of boat trains, many of which have been reaching their destinations two or three hours late.1951 November, “Delays to Boat Trains”, in Railway Magazine, page 719:
Certainly, upon closer scrutiny, it becomes apparent that current usage rather than eighteenth-century usage is the basis of the interpretation of fanny as a sexual term.2011, Patrick Spedding, James Lambert, “Fanny Hill, Lord Fanny, and the Myth of Metonymy”, in Studies in Philology, volume 108, number 1, page 109:
2
Usually Thorough inspection of a situation or a case.
come under scrutiny
A number of other mergers of U.S. railroads are mooted, but the I.C.C. [Interstate Commerce Commission] has made it clear that its assent to the N.& W.-Virginian proposal, which was unopposed by competitors or stockholders, should not be taken as an indication that others will swiftly pass its scrutiny.1960 January, “Talking of Trains: N.& W.-Virginian merger”, in Trains Illustrated, page 9:
3
ChristianityUsually An examination of catechumens, in the last week of Lent, who were to receive baptism on Easter Day.
4
Usually A ticket, or little paper billet, on which a vote is written.
5
Usually An examination by a committee of the votes given at an election, for the purpose of correcting the poll.
The Returning Officer on the day appointed to make a scrutiny of the poll1872, William Dougal Christie, The Ballot, and Corruption and Expenditure at Elections:
Etymology From Middle English scrutiny, from Medieval Latin scrūtinium (“a search, an inquiry”), from Vulgar Latin scrūtor (“to search or examine thoroughly”), from Late Latin scrūta (“rubbish, broken trash”), from an extension of Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to cut”).