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(), 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. (Zol.) (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. [L 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. Pi"lot n. 1. (Aronautics) 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. Pi"lot v. t.(Aronautics) To fly, or act as pilot of (an aircraft). スポンサード リンク
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