pilot engine

American  

noun

1. a locomotive sent on ahead of a railroad train to see that the way is clear and the track safe.

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pilot engine British  

noun

1. a locomotive that leads one or more other locomotives at the head of a train of coaches or wagons

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Etymology

Origin of pilot engine

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pilot engine

A special pilot engine, tugging three cars full of Secret Service agents and railroad detectives, pulled out five minutes ahead of the presidential special to scout out possible sabotage along the 133-mile run.

From Time Magazine Archive

The pilot engine is fifteen minutes in advance of the Royal carriages at every station, and the space travelled over in that fifteen minutes is kept free and unobstructed. 

From Railway Adventures and Anecdotes extending over more than fifty years by Various

I knew of course that there would be first the pilot engine; there would also be the baggage train; probably also a special train for the suite and servants; and the Imperial train.

From By Right of Sword by Marchmont, Arthur W. (Arthur Williams)

Before the old man was settled on Douglas's cozy wicker lounge, the pilot engine was tearing away with the young voyager, who had simply stepped out of his own life to make a sudden fortune.

From A Fascinating Traitor An Anglo-Indian Story by Savage, Richard

A pilot engine preceded the train carrying the bell over the entire route.

From Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889 by Burroughs, Barkham