Backsight
a sight on a previously occupied instrument station.
(in leveling) the reading on a rod that is held on a point of known elevation, used in computing the elevation of the instrument.
historical examples
“come quick,” he shouted, adjusting the backsight of a rifle.
the wings of the morning louis tracy
the tiny figures seen over the slide of the backsight seemed a little larger, but also fewer at each successive volley.
the river war winston s. churchill
noun
the sight of a rifle nearer the stock
(surveying) a reading taken looking backwards to a previously occupied station compare foresight (sense 4)
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