feeler - Wiktionary, the free dictionary

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.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈfiːlə/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈfiːləɹ/
• Rhymes: -iːlə(ɹ)

feeler (plural feelers)

1. (literally) Someone or something that feels.

   Are you more of a feeler or more of a thinker?

2. (anatomy) An antenna or appendage used for feeling, especially on an insect.
3. (figuratively) Something ventured to test another's feelings, opinion, or position.

   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.

4. (Philippines) Someone who assumes or imagines that something said or done (positive or negative) was for the person despite having no concrete confirmation but gut feeling, one's affection is reciprocated, indulges in one's own wishful thinking, or flatters oneself

• refeel