backsight

[ bak-sahyt ]
/ ˈbækˌsaɪt /

noun Surveying.

a sight on a previously occupied instrument station.
(in leveling) the reading on a rod that is held on a point of known elevation, used in computing the elevation of the instrument.

Origin of backsight

First recorded in 1840–50; back2 + sight

Words nearby backsight

backsheesh, backshore, backside, backside-front, backside-to, backsight, backslap, backslapping, backslash, backslide, backsource

Example sentences from the Web for backsight

  • "Come quick," he shouted, adjusting the backsight of a rifle.

    The Wings of the Morning |Louis Tracy

  • The tiny figures seen over the slide of the backsight seemed a little larger, but also fewer at each successive volley.

    The River War |Winston S. Churchill

British Dictionary definitions for backsight

backsight
/ (ˈbækˌsaɪt) /

noun

the sight of a rifle nearer the stock
surveying a reading taken looking backwards to a previously occupied station Compare foresight (def. 4)