pilot

pi•lot

[[t]ˈpaɪ lət[/t]] n.

1) aer. a person qualified to operate an airplane, balloon, or other aircraft

2) navig. a person qualified to steer ships into or out of a harbor or through certain difficult waters

3) navig. a person who steers a ship

4) a guide or leader

5) pilot light

6) a guide for positioning two adjacent machine parts, often consisting of a projection on one part fitting into a recess in the other

7) sbz a filmed or taped television program serving to introduce a possible new series

8) cvb a preliminary or experimental trial or test

9) to act as pilot on, in, or over

10) to lead or guide, as through unknown places or intricate affairs

11) to steer

12) serving as a guide

13) serving as an experimental or trial undertaking prior to full-scale operation or use:

a pilot project[/ex]

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Etymology: 1520–30; earlier pylotte < MF pillotte < It pilota, dissimilated var. of pedota < MGk *pēdṓtēs steersman = Gk pēd(á) rudder (pl. of pēdón oar) +-ōtēs agent suffix