pedlar
|ped-lar|
🇺🇸
/ˈpɛdlər/
🇬🇧
/ˈpɛdlə/
travelling seller
Etymology
'pedlar' originates from Middle English, specifically forms such as 'pedlere' or 'pedler', where the element 'ped-' related to walking or a footed person (one who goes about).
'pedlar' changed from Middle English 'pedlere' / 'pedler' and later appeared alongside the variant spelling 'peddler'; both developed into the modern English 'pedlar' (chiefly British) and 'peddler' (chiefly US).
Initially, it referred to a person who went about on foot selling goods; over time the basic meaning of a travelling seller has remained, though legal and pejorative nuances have varied.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who goes from place to place selling small goods; a hawker or itinerant seller.
A pedlar walked through the village selling belts and trinkets.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
(dated or legal) A person who sells goods without a permanent place of business; sometimes implying itinerant or unregulated trade.
Local bylaws banned pedlars from soliciting door-to-door without a licence.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/23 19:21