An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To perceive or examine by touch.
   

2. To have a sensation of (something), other than by sight, hearing, taste, or smell (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): M.E. felen, from O.E. felan “to touch;” cf. O.S. gifolian, O.Fr.fela, Du. voelen, O.H.G. vuolen, Ger. fühlen “to feel;” from PIE root *pal- “to touch, feel, shake, strike softly” (cognates: Gk. psallein “to pluck (the harp),” L. palpare “to touch softly, stroke”).

Etymology (PE): Sohidan, from Mid.Pers. sôhistan “to feel, to touch,” sôhešn “feeling, sense,” of unknown origin. Note Pers. sahestan “to fear,” from Proto-Ir. *θrah- “to shake; to fear;” Pers. tars, harâs, sham “fear;” may be they are of different roots.