From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishfeel somebody ↔ out phrasal verb American English informalASK A QUESTIONto find out what someone’s opinions or feelings are, without asking them directly I thought I’d feel out some of my colleagues before the meeting. → feel→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
feel out• Because, quite honestly, she was feeling absolutely worn out.• Both Mark and Lulu giggled helplessly over that, and Diana smiled, but she was beginning to feel left out.• Not what you happen to feel like blurting out.• They tried to see she didn't feel left out but Jean is very shy and sensitive.• Though I was just seven, I did not feel left out in the discussions grown ups had.• I get a feeling of satisfaction out of it.• Two men feeling their way out on to the bridge.• If she really hadn't felt up to coming out she would surely have said? 