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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