Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Freewheel \Free"wheel`\, v. i.
1.
(a) Of a freewheel cycle, to run on while the pedals are
held still.
(b) Of a person, to ride a cycle of this manner. To ride a
freewheel cycle.
2. (Mach.) To operate like a freewheel, so that one part
moves freely over another which normally moves with it; --
said of a clutch.
Freewheel \Free"wheel`\, n. (Mach.)
A clutch fitted in the rear hub of a cycle, which engages the
rear sprocket with the rear wheel when the pedals are rotated
forwards, but permits the rear wheel to run on free from the
rear sprocket when the pedals are stopped or rotated
backwards. Freewheelcycles are usually fitted with hub brakes
or rim brakes, operated by back pedaling.
Source : WordNet®
freewheel
n : a clutch (as on the rear wheel of a bicycle) that allows
wheels to turn freely (as in coasting)
v 1: live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely; "My son drifted
around for years in California before going to law
school" [syn: {drift}]
2: coast in a vehicle using the freewheel