What is the meaning of the term used for selling goods, often by peddling?

The term "vend" specifically refers to the act of selling goods, often in a manner that involves direct interaction with customers, such as peddling or selling from a stall. This word conveys not just the activity of selling but also encompasses the more informal or smaller-scale aspects of it, which characterizes peddling.

When goods are vended, they are typically sold directly to consumers, which is distinct from broader terms like "trade" that may refer to exchanges between businesses or larger commercial transactions. Bartering involves the exchange of goods or services without using money, while distribution generally refers to the process of getting goods from producers to retailers or consumers but does not imply a direct sale by an individual vendor. Thus, "vend" most accurately captures the essence of selling goods in a direct and often personal context.