ped•dle |ˈpedl| |ˌpɛdl| |ˌpɛd(ə)l| verb [ trans. ] try to sell (something, esp. small goods) by going from house to house or place to place : he peddled art and printing materials around the country. • sell (an illegal drug or stolen item) : [as n. ] ( peddling) certain youths who were involved in theft and drug peddling. • derogatory promote (an idea or view) persistently or widely : he criticized his fellow candidate for peddling risky ideas. ORIGIN early 16th cent.: back-formation from pedlar .