Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A boat used by pilots for cruising off shore to meet incoming ships.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • On the next afternoon, that is to say, on Saturday, the twenty-second of January, an American pilot-boat came alongside, and soon afterwards the Britannia steam-packet, from Liverpool, eighteen days out, was telegraphed at Boston.

    American Notes for General Circulation 2007

  • I have thought once or twice of obtaining leave to purchase a stout and handy pilot-boat, with her licence and all that transferred to us, and so running to and fro when needful.

    Springhaven Richard Doddridge 2004

  • He saw that she was an English pilot-boat, undecked, but fitted with a cuddy forward, rigged luggerwise, and built for speed, yet fit to encounter almost any Channel surges.

    Springhaven Richard Doddridge 2004

  • But as to this pilot-boat, I must have a bold and good seaman to command it.

    Springhaven Richard Doddridge 2004

  • No French boat was near them, no batteries there commanded their course, and the pilot-boat carried no prize-crew to direct reluctant labours.

    Springhaven Richard Doddridge 2004

  • Passing the mouth of the creek, he saw no sign of the traitorous pilot-boat, neither did he meet any other craft in channel, although he saw many moored at either bank.

    Springhaven Richard Doddridge 2004

  • But first of all tell Perkins to stand off again with the pilot-boat, as if he was looking out for a job, and if he sees even a frigate coming eastward, to run back and let you know by a signal arranged between you.

    Springhaven Richard Doddridge 2004

  • He perceived that it was an English pilot-boat, and that she was standing towards him.

    Springhaven Richard Doddridge 2004

  • As the pilot-boat drew nearer, and the sunlight fell upon her, to his great surprise he became convinced that the young man at the tiller was Dan Tugwell, the son of the captain of Springhaven.

    Springhaven Richard Doddridge 2004

  • With a pilot-boat — it is a fine idea — a pilot-boat entered as of Pebbleridge.

    Springhaven Richard Doddridge 2004

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