one employed to steer a vessel; a helmsman; a steersman.-specifically, a person duly qualified, and licensed by authority, to conduct vessels into and out of a port, or in certain waters, for a fixed rate of fees.-figuratively: a guide; a director of another through a difficult or unknown course.-an instrument for detecting the compass error.-the cowcatcher of a locomotive.-to direct the course of, as of a ship, where navigation is dangerous.-figuratively: to guide, as through dangers or difficulties.