Pilot balloon, a small balloon sent up in advance of a large one, to
show the direction and force of the wind. -- Pilot bird. (Zoˆl.) (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. (Zoˆl) (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
(Zoˆl.) (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. (Zoˆl.) Same
as Blackfish, 1.
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.
Pi"lot*age (?), n. [Cf. F. pilotage.] 1. The pilot's skill or
knowledge, as of coasts, rocks, bars, and channels. [Obs.] Sir W.
Raleigh.