early 15c., "one who feels," agent noun from feel (v.). Of animal organs, 1660s. Transferred sense of "proposal put forth to observe the reaction it gets" is from 1830. Related: Feelers.
权威例句
1. The letter was a feeler to see how he would look upon such a movement.
这封信是一种试探,看看他如何看待这种运动.
2. She made a little deal in stocks as a feeler.
她在股票上做一笔小交易当作试探.
3. The letter was a feeler to see what his attitude might be.
这封信是一种试探,看看他的态度.
4. Take the clearance with a feeler.
间隙用塞尺测量.
5. The feeler material must be harder than the material that is checked ( hardened pins ).