pilot
pilot definition
pi·lot (pī′lət)
noun
- Archaic helmsman
- a person licensed to direct ships into or out of a harbor or through difficult waters
- a person qualified to operate the controls of an aircraft or spacecraft
- a guide; leader
- a device that guides the action of a machine or machine part
- ☆ a metal frame on the front of a locomotive, to remove obstructions from the track
- pilot light (sense )
- pilot film
Etymology: MFr pilote < It pilota, pedoto < MGr *pēdōtēs < Gr pēdon, oar blade (in pl., rudder), akin to pous, foot
transitive verb
- to act as a pilot of, on, in, or over
- to guide; conduct; lead
adjective
- that serves as a guide or guiding device
- that serves as an activating device
- that serves as a trial unit for experimentation or testing
Related Forms:
- pilotless pi′·lot·less adjective
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