The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

deflect \de*flect"\ (d[-e]*fl[e^]kt"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Deflected; p. pr. & vb. n. Deflecting.] [L. deflectere;
   de- + flectere to bend or turn. See Flexible.]
   To cause to turn aside; to bend; as, rays of light are often
   deflected; to deflect a punch; to deflect criticism by
   acknowledging a mistake.
   [1913 Webster +PJC]

         Sitting with their knees deflected under them. --Lord
                                                  (1630).
   [1913 Webster]