A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Reflex, v. Also: -flix-. [e.m.E. (1572) and ME (once, Wyclif in reflexid ppl. adj.) reflex-, f. as Reflex n.] To reflect. Cf. Reflect v.
1. tr. To turn or curve (a written symbol) back, or in the direction opposite to what is usual.c1550-c1580 Art of Music 5.
Gif virgule fro the lyne to the mid space be vprasit, hawand the heid on the rycht part reflexit, it is ane semisupiry callit ane curchet rest
2. To turn, throw or cast back (beams of light). Also absol.1570 Sat. P. xxxvii 22.
Ay moir brycht and burning is the beymis Off Phebus face, that fastast ar reflexitabsol. 1531 Bell. Boece II 37.
The goldin stremaris reflixand aganis the sonne
3. To give back an image, as does a mirror. Also b. absol. or intr.1633 Drummond (1856) 228.
When Iber's streams reflex'd thy glorious face —b. c1590 Fowler I 261/14.
O … mirrour bright wher vertues doth reflex!
4. intr. Of light or heat. To shine, to reflect. See also Reflexing ppl. adj.1581-1623 James VI Poems I 55/214.
Hou Titanis garland thair Inflammid be heit reflexing on hir nest
5. Of something said: To reflect or cast discredit, blame, etc. upon or against a person, his actions, etc.1641 Justiciary Cases II 429.
Archibald, Erle of Argyle … upone whome the fals leyis and wicked calumneis … reflexis and trinches 1646 Kirkcaldy Presb. 300.
His expressiouns … doe reflex and cast aspersiouns upon the proceedings of the presbytrie towards him 1648 Cupar Presb. 130.
Helen Young … had spoken something reflexing wpon Helen Small about maters of witchcraft
6. To have a bearing (upon a matter).1639 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 256.
I desire to eschue nothing so much as the rypeing up of the particulars that reflex upon one of ȝon rockes that we have hitherto eschued
