I
n.
device for engaging and disengaging a transmission
1) to engage, throw in the ~ ('to release the ~ pedal')
2) to work the ~
3) to disengage the ~ ('to depress the ~ pedal')
4) to ride the ~ ('to keep the ~ pedal partially depressed')
crisis
5) in a ~ (to count on smb. in a ~)
misc.
6) a ~ hitter ('smb. who is called on to help in a crisis')
II
v.
1) ( d ; intr. ) to ~ at (to ~ at a branch)
2) ( d ; tr. ) to ~ to (she ~ed her children to her breast)
3) ( misc. ) to ~ at a straw ('to consider any possibility')