ˈfēlə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English feler one that feels, from felen to feel + -er, -ere -er
1. : a tactile process of an animal: as
a. : a sensory tentacle
b. : antenna 1
c. : vibrissa
2. : something ventured (as a proposal, remark, or tentative action) to ascertain the views or reactions of others
ready to explore any peace feelers no matter what their origin — Current Biography
feelers being put out by certain manufacturers in an effort to determine whether or not stripings and patterns are due for reacceptance in popularity — Apparel Arts
the letter was a feeler to see how Washington would look upon such a movement — H.E.Scudder
3. or feeler gage : a thin metal strip of known thickness used as a gage or one of a set of metal strips of graduated thicknesses so used
4. : a loom device in textile manufacturing that replaces nearly empty bobbins in shuttles