(1) A foot-operated lever on a musical instrument. On a piano, the indication, L, means to use the sustain pedal.
(2) Strictly, pedal point. A sustained or continually repeated note that occurs throughout a passage of changing harmonies. Commonly on the dominant note, it creates a feeling of tension; on the tonic, it creates a sense of repose. It often occurs in the bass; if played above the other parts, it is known as an inverted pedal. Also known as a drone in folk music.