/bak"ped'l/ , v.i. , back-pedaled, back-pedaling or ( esp. Brit. ) back-pedalled, back-pedalling .
1. to retard the forward motion by pressing backward on the pedal, esp. of a bicycle with coaster brakes.
2. to retreat from or reverse one's previous stand on any matter; shift ground: to back-pedal after severe criticism.
3. Boxing. to retreat from an opponent, esp. by stepping rapidly backward.
[ 1895-1900 ]