peddle

American  

[ped-l] / ˈpɛd l /

verb (used with object)

peddled, peddling

1. to carry (small articles, goods, wares, etc.) from place to place for sale at retail; hawk.

2. to deal out, distribute, or dispense, especially in small quantities.

   to peddle radical ideas.

3. to sell (drugs) illicitly.

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verb (used without object)

peddled, peddling

1. to go from place to place with goods, wares, etc., for sale at retail.

2. to occupy oneself with trifles; trifle.

peddle British  

/ ˈpɛdəl /

verb

1. to go from place to place selling (goods, esp small articles)

2. (tr) to sell (illegal drugs, esp narcotics)

3. (tr) to advocate (ideas) persistently or importunately

   to peddle a new philosophy

4. archaic (intr) to trifle

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Other Word Forms

• repeddle verb (used with object)
• unpeddled adjective

Etymology

Origin of peddle

First recorded in 1525–35; apparently back formation from peddler; peddle in def. 5, reinforced by piddle

Example Sentences

In the Old City, home to a small but vibrant Christian community and several important churches, red baubles hang from some trees, shopkeepers have put up Christmas decorations and street vendors peddle warm chestnuts.

From Barron's

Eaton for many years has worked to expose people who peddle chlorine dioxide and to report apparent injuries to authorities.

From Salon

“There’s a false and extremely dangerous narrative being peddled,” Wiener said in an August news conference.

From Los Angeles Times

The growing allure of watches with A-list history was enticing people to peddle dubious timepieces.

From Los Angeles Times

But there was a time when their importance, along with the activists who peddled their ideas, rivaled those of politicians themselves.

From Salon

Related Words

• hawk
• solicit