Tentative inquiry (6)
I believe the answer is:
feeler
'tentative inquiry' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for feeler that I've seen before include "Tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others" , "Insect's antenna" , "Tendril or cautious proposal" , "Organ of touch or tentative proposal" , "A cautious proposal - sounds touching" .)