feeler

noun

Etymology: 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.

1. Someone or something that feels.

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

2. An antenna or appendage used for feeling, especially on an insect.
3. 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. a presumptive person; someone who bases on gut feeling, such as assuming or imagining that something said or done, whether positive or negative, was for a person despite having no concrete confirmation but gut feeling, or someone who assumes one's affection is reciprocated, or indulges in one's own wishful thinking or flatters oneself