noun

1. 1. Archaic helmsman
   2. a person licensed to direct ships into or out of a harbor or through difficult waters
2. a person qualified to operate the controls of an aircraft or spacecraft
3. a guide; leader
4. a device that guides the action of a machine or machine part
5. ☆ a metal frame on the front of a locomotive, to remove obstructions from the track
6. 1. pilot light (sense )
   2. pilot film

Etymology: MFr pilote < It pilota, pedoto < MGr *pēdōtēs < Gr pēdon, oar blade (in pl., rudder), akin to pous, foot

transitive verb

1. to act as a pilot of, on, in, or over
2. to guide; conduct; lead

adjective

1. that serves as a guide or guiding device
2. that serves as an activating device
3. that serves as a trial unit for experimentation or testing