feeler

[ fee-ler ]
/ ˈfi lər /

noun

a person or thing that feels.
a proposal, remark, hint, etc., designed to bring out the opinions or purposes of others: Interested in an accord, both labor and management were putting out feelers.
Zoology. an organ of touch, as an antenna or a tentacle.
Also called feeler gauge. Engineering. a gauge having several blades of known thickness, used for measuring clearances.
Nautical. a device for indicating that the lead of a mechanical sounding device has come to the bottom.

Origin of feeler

First recorded in 1520–30; feel + -er1

British Dictionary definitions for feeler gauge (1 of 2)

feeler gauge

noun

a thin metal strip of known thickness used to measure a narrow gap or to set a gap between two parts

British Dictionary definitions for feeler gauge (2 of 2)

feeler
/ (ˈfiːlə) /

noun

a person or thing that feels
an organ in certain animals, such as an antenna or tentacle, that is sensitive to touch
a remark designed to probe the reactions or intentions of other people

Scientific definitions for feeler gauge

feeler
[ fēlər ]

A slender body part used for touching or sensing. The antennae of insects and the barbels of catfish are feelers.

Idioms and Phrases with feeler gauge

feeler

see put out feelers.