1. [n]  an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
2. [n]  small auxiliary gas burner that provides a flame to ignite a larger gas burner
3. [n]  an original model on which something is patterned
4. [n]  a program exemplifying a contemplated series; intended to attract sponsors
5. [n]  someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight
6. [n]  a person qualified to guide ships through difficult waters going into or out of a harbor
7. [v]  act as the navigator in a car, plane, or vessel and plann, direct, plot the path and position of the conveyance; "Is anyone volunteering to navigate during the trip?"; "Who was navigating the ship during the accident?"
8. [v]  fly a plane

1. \Pi"lot\, n.
   1. (A["e]ronautics) 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.
   

2. \Pi"lot\, v. t. (A["e]ronautics)
   To fly, or act as pilot of (an aircraft).
   

3. \Pi"lot\, 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}. (Zo["o]l.)
      (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. [Local, U.S.]
   {Pilot boat}, a strong, fast-sailing boat used to carry and
      receive pilots as they board and leave vessels.
   {Pilot bread}, ship biscuit.
   {Pilot cloth}, a coarse, stout kind of cloth for overcoats.
   {Pilot engine}, a locomotive going in advance of a train to
      make sure that the way is clear.
   {Pilot fish}. (Zo["o]l)
      (a) A pelagic carangoid fish ({Naucrates ductor}); -- so
          named because it is often seen in company with a
          shark, swimming near a ship, on account of which
          sailors imagine that it acts as a pilot to the shark.
      (b) The rudder fish ({Seriola zonata}).
   {Pilot jack}, a flag or signal hoisted by a vessel for a
      pilot.
   {Pilot jacket}, a pea jacket.
   {Pilot nut} (Bridge Building), a conical nut applied
      temporarily to the threaded end of a pin, to protect the
      thread and guide the pin when it is driven into a hole.
      --Waddell.
   {Pilot snake} (Zo["o]l.)
      (a) A large North American snake ({Coluber obsoleus}). It
          is lustrous black, with white edges to some of the
          scales. Called also {mountain black snake}.
      (b) The pine snake.
   {Pilot whale}. (Zo["o]l.) Same as {Blackfish}, 1.
   

4. \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.
   

Programmed Inquiry Learning Or Teaching. CAI language, many versions. "Guide to 8080 PILOT", J. Starkweather, Dr Dobb's J (Apr 1977).