What is "back-pedalled"

Usage examples of "back-pedalled".

I was fast enough and skilled enough to avoid his mightiest blows for a time, but let it not be thought that I back-pedalled and ran, or fought a merely defensive fight.

Ben back-pedalled faster, seeing the forest trees thin about him, sensing the light grow brighter behind.

Sean back-pedalled quickly to regain poise, and felt the thatch of the wall touch his back.

They back-pedalled into the kitchen, their enemies close behind, and reestablished themselves at its entrance.

Its engine fields were gouging great livid tracks in the energy grid as it back-pedalled furiously.