peddler
pronunciation
How to pronounce peddler in British English:
UK [ˈpedlə(r)]
How to pronounce peddler in American English:
US [ˈpɛdlɚ]
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- Noun:
- someone who travels about selling his wares (as on the streets or at carnivals)
- an unlicensed dealer in illegal drugs
Word Origin
- peddler (n.)
- late 14c. (c. 1300 as a surname, Will. Le Pedelare), from peoddere, peddere (c. 1200, mid-12c. as a surname), of unknown origin. It has the appearance of an agent noun, but no corresponding verb is attested in Middle English. Perhaps a diminutive of ped "panier, basket," also of unknown origin, but this is attested only from late 14c. Pedlar, preferred spelling in U.K., is attested from late 14c.
Example
- 1. In the street below a peddler was crying his wares .
- 2. Another peddler scoffs at the new system .
- 3. Today , all the big talk in the smut peddler circuit is about mobile adult content .