backsight
Americannoun
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a sight on a previously occupied instrument station.
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(in leveling) the reading on a rod that is held on a point of known elevation, used in computing the elevation of the instrument.
noun
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the sight of a rifle nearer the stock
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surveying a reading taken looking backwards to a previously occupied station Compare foresight
Etymology
Origin of backsight
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The tip of the foresight was a fraction below the level of his puckered eye, part of which showed in the aperture of the backsight.
From Time Magazine Archive
But the old man was tired and muddled with his backsight, and dreams were in his noddle.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
To counteract this the aim must be taken higher, but the rifle is so constructed that by raising the slide of the backsight a little, aim may be taken at the original spot.
From Ladies in the Field: Sketches of Sport by Beatrice Violet Graham Greville
"Dem make for one-time good shot, sah!" whispered Bela Moshi, calmly setting the backsight of his rifle.
From Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force by Ernest Prater
These differences in the appearance of the foresight are corrected by raising the backsight in a bright light, and lowering it when dull.
From Ladies in the Field: Sketches of Sport by Beatrice Violet Graham Greville
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