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recoiling |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Recoil \Re*coil"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Recoiled}; p. pr & vb n. {Recoiling}.] [OE. recoilen, F. reculer, fr L. pref. re- re- + culus the fundament. The English word was perhaps influenced in form by accoil.] 1. To start roll, bound, spring, or fall back to take a reverse motion; to be driven or forced backward; to return. Evil on itself shall back recoil. --Milton. The solemnity of her demeanor made it impossible . . . that we should recoil into our ordinary spirits. --De Quincey. 2. To draw back as from anything repugnant, distressing, alarming, or the like to shrink. --Shak. 3. To turn or go back to withdraw one's self to retire. [Obs.] ``To your bowers recoil.'' --Spenser.
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