Tentative suggestion put out by some animals? (6)

I believe the answer is:

feeler

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'tentative suggestion' is the definition.
'feeler' can be an answer for 'suggestion' (feeler is a kind of suggestion). I am unsure of the 'tentative' bit.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for feeler that I've seen before include "Sensing organ" , "Tentative proposal to gauge response; antenna" , "Tendril or cautious proposal" , "A cautious proposal - sounds touching" , "Antenna, tentacle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app