Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†FOREFEELING, vbl.n. In weighing with the pundar, a forward adjustment of the counterpoise weight beyond the proper mark to compensate for incorrect setting in the design of the instrument (see quot.).Ork. 1795 Stat. Acc. 1 XIX. 415:
When the weight exceeded 6 or 8 settings, they have given 6 merks of cast, or forefeeling, to make up the increasing deficiency. This unfortunate mistake for the buyer and receiver may be completely rectified, in the manner above mentioned, by taking the measure from pivot to pivot, and not from the end of the beam, and then every setting will fall upon its proper notch, without going beyond it, and there will be no cast of the beam, or forefeeling, as it is called, necessary.
