Pi"lot (?), n. [F. pilote, prob. from D. peillood plummet, sounding lead; peilen, pegelen, to sound, measure (fr. D. & G. peil, pegel, a sort of measure, water mark) + lood lead, akin to E. lead. The pilot, then, is the lead man, i. e., he who throws the lead. See Pail, and Lead a metal.]

1. (Naut.)

One employed to steer a vessel; a helmsman; a steersman. Dryden.

2.

Specifically, a person duly qualified, and licensed by authority, to conduct vessels into and out of a port, or in certain waters, for a fixed rate of fees.

3.

Figuratively: A guide; a director of another through a difficult or unknown course.

4.

An instrument for detecting the compass error.

5.

The cowcatcher of a locomotive. [U.S.]

Pilot balloon, a small balloon sent up in advance of a large one, to show the direction and force of the wind. --
Pilot bird. (Zoöl.)

(a) A bird found near the Caribbee Islands; -- so called because its presence indicates to mariners their approach to these islands. Crabb.

(b) The black- bellied plover. [Local, U.S.] --
Pilot boat, a strong, fast-sailing boat used to carry and receive pilots as they board and leave vessels. --
Pilot bread, ship biscuit. --
Pilot cloth, a coarse, stout kind of cloth for overcoats. --
Pilot engine, a locomotive going in advance of a train to make sure that the way is clear. --
Pilot fish. (Zoöl)

(a) A pelagic carangoid fish (Naucrates ductor); -- so named because it is often seen in company with a shark, swimming near a ship, on account of which sailors imagine that it acts as a pilot to the shark.
(b) The rudder fish (Seriola zonata). --
Pilot jack, a flag or signal hoisted by a vessel for a pilot. --
Pilot jacket, a pea jacket. --
Pilot nut (Bridge Building), a conical nut applied temporarily to the threaded end of a pin, to protect the thread and guide the pin when it is driven into a hole. Waddell. --
Pilot snake (Zoöl.)
(a) A large North American snake (Coluber obsoleus). It is lustrous black, with white edges to some of the scales. Called also mountain black snake.
(b) The pine snake. --
Pilot whale. (Zoöl.) Same as Blackfish, 1.

 

© Webster 1913


Pi"lot, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Piloted; p. pr. & vb. n. Piloting.] [Cf. F. piloter.]

1.

To direct the course of, as of a ship, where navigation is dangerous.

2.

Figuratively: To guide, as through dangers or difficulties. "The art of piloting a state." Berkeley.

 

© Webster 1913


Pi"lot, n.

1. (Aëronautics)

One who flies, or is qualified to fly, a balloon, an airship, or a flying machine.

2. (Mach.)

A short plug at the end of a counterbore to guide the tool. Pilots are sometimes made interchangeable.

3. (Mining)

The heading or excavation of relatively small dimensions, first made in the driving of a larger tunnel.

 

© Webster 1913


Pi"lot, v. t. (Aëronautics)

To fly, or act as pilot of (an aircraft).

 

© Webster 1913