καπηλεύω

A. to be a retail-dealer, drive a petty trade, Hdt. 1.155, 2.35, Isoc. 2.1, Nymphod. 21, IG 11(2).161 A 16 (Delos, iii B. C.), BGU 1024 vii 23 (iv A. D.); δῑ ἀψύχου βορᾶς σίτοις καπήλευ' drive a trade, chaffer with your vegetable food, E. Hipp. 953.

II. c. acc., sell by retail, τὸν ἕρπιν Hippon. 51.

2. metaph., κ. τὰ πρήγματα, of Darius, Hdt. 3.89; κ. τὰ μαθήματα sell learning by retail, hawk it about, Pl. Prt. 313d; κ. τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ 2 Ep.Cor. 2.17; so ἔοικεν οὐ καπηλεύσειν μάχην will not peddle in war, i. e. fight half-heartedly, A. Th. 545; κ. τῇ Χάριτι τὴν ἀμοιβήν Epicur. Sent.Vat. 39; κ. τὴν πολιτείαν traffic in grants of citizenship, D.C. 60.17; κ. τῆς ὥρας ἄνθος or τὴν ὥραν, of prostitutes, Ph. 2.394,576; εἰρήνην πρὸς Ῥωμαίους Χρυσίου κ. Hdn. 6.7.9; τύχη καπηλεύουσα . . τὸν βίον playing tricks with life, corrupting it, AP 9.180 (Pall.).