Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.