Main Entry:

¹pi·lot

Pronunciation:

\ˈpī-lət\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle French pilote, from Italian pilota, alteration of pedota, from Middle Greek *pēdōtēs, from Greek pēda steering oars, plural of pēdon oar; probably akin to Greek pod-, pous foot — more at foot

Date:

1530

1 a: one employed to steer a ship : helmsman b: a person who is qualified and usually licensed to conduct a ship into and out of a port or in specified waters c: a person who flies or is qualified to fly an aircraft or spacecraft2: guide, leader3: cowcatcher4: a piece that guides a tool or machine part5: a television show produced and filmed or taped as a sample of a proposed series6: pilot light 2

— pi·lot·less \-ləs\ adjective