[bak-ped-l] 
) -alled, -al⋅ling. | 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. |