feeler

Definition

Someone or something that feels.

Etymology

From Middle English feler, feeler, felar, equivalent to feel + -er. Animal organ definition from 1660s. Transferred sense of "proposal put forth to observe the reaction it gets" is from 1830.

Example Sentences

• "Are you more of a feeler or more of a thinker?"
• "I sent out some feelers but they didn't seem interested."
• "This survey is designed to get a feeler about how the citizens feel about the proposed new highway."