Machinery. a guide for centering or otherwise positioning two adjacent parts, often consisting of a projection on one part fitting into a recess in the other.
Also called pilot film, pilot tape.Television. a prototypical filmed or taped feature, produced with hopes of network adoption as a television series and aired to test potential viewer interest and attract sponsors.
10.
a preliminary or experimental trial or test: The school will offer a pilot of its new computer course.
1512, "one who steers a ship," from M.Fr. pillot, from It. piloto, O.It. pedoto, usually said to be from Medieval Gk. *pedotes "rudder, helmsman," from Gk. pedon "steering oar," related to pous (gen. podos) "foot" (see foot). Change of -d- to -l- in L. parallels that in odor/olfactory.