Flew an aircraft or navigated a ship as a pilot, or tested something experimental before full implementation.
From French 'pilot' related to 'pedis' (foot) and Greek 'pêdon' (rudder/oar). Originally meant someone who steers ships; extended to aircraft pilots in the 20th century.
The word 'pilot' has a hidden metaphor—it originally meant someone who steers with their foot, and today when we 'pilot' a new TV show, we're still testing the controls before going full speed.
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