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 spacecraft
2 : guide, leader
3 : cowcatcher
4 : a piece that guides a tool or machine part
5 : a television show produced and filmed or taped as a sample of a proposed series
6 : pilot light 2

— pi·lot·less \-ləs\ adjective