Hypertext Webster Gateway: "recoiled"
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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