backsight

American  

[bak-sahyt] / ˈbækˌsaɪt /

noun

Surveying.

1. a sight on a previously occupied instrument station.

2. (in leveling) the reading on a rod that is held on a point of known elevation, used in computing the elevation of the instrument.

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backsight British  

/ ˈbækˌsaɪt /

noun

1. the sight of a rifle nearer the stock

2. surveying a reading taken looking backwards to a previously occupied station Compare foresight

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Etymology

Origin of backsight

First recorded in 1840–50; back ² + sight

Example Sentences

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

"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 Prater, Ernest

The tiny figures seen over the slide of the backsight seemed a little larger, but also fewer at each successive volley.

From The River War An Account of the Reconquest of the Sudan by Churchill, Winston

"Fritz knows how to play a waiting game too, I see," muttered Wilmshurst, as he deliberately wiped off a globule of water that had dropped upon the backsight of his rifle.

From Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force by Prater, Ernest