Pilot

n. [Fr. pilote, Sp. & Pg. piloto, It. piloto, pilota, D. piloot, probably from L. Ger. pilen, peilen, to measure, gauge, sound, and Ger. loth, plummet; D. lood, loot, lead, peillood, plummet. The pilot, then, is the lead-man, he who throws the lead.]

1Sense 1. One whose office or occupation is to steer ships, particularly along a coast, or into and out of a harbor, bay, or river, where navigation is dangerous; a helmsman.

2Sense 2. Hence, a guide; a director of the course of another person. [Colloq.]

3Sense 3. The cow-catcher of a locomotive. [U. S.]