The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Recoil \Re*coil"\ (r[-e]*koil"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Recoiled
   (r[-e]*koild"); 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.]
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   1. To start, roll, bound, spring, or fall back; to take a
      reverse motion; to be driven or forced backward; to
      return.
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            Evil on itself shall back recoil.     --Milton.
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            The solemnity of her demeanor made it impossible . .
            . that we should recoil into our ordinary spirits.
                                                  --De Quincey.
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   2. To draw back, as from anything repugnant, distressing,
      alarming, or the like; to shrink. --Shak.
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   3. To turn or go back; to withdraw one's self; to retire.
      [Obs.] "To your bowers recoil." --Spenser.
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