pathfinder

From path +‎ finder.

pathfinder (plural pathfinders)

1. One who discovers a way or path; one who explores untraversed regions.
   • 1910, John Burroughs, “Phases of Farm Life”, in In the Catskills, page 67:

     The cow is the true pathfinder and pathmaker.

   • 2017, BioWare, Mass Effect: Andromeda (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Role of a Pathfinder Codex entry:

     Pathfinders are trained to improve the viability of potential planets, initiate first contact with unknown species, find suitable outpost sites, and handle any external threats before the first colonist touches soil. The presence of a Pathfinder is a reassurance that a planet can be settled safely and with a high expectation of success.

2. One who first does something; a pioneer.
3. (finance) Short for pathfinder prospectus.

• trailblazer

• pathfinder prospectus

• → German: Pfadfinder (calque)

• pathmaker