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. 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 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 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.
2. Figuratively: To guide, as through dangers or
difficulties. ``The art of piloting a state.'' --Berkeley.