De*flect" (?), 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.
Sitting with their knees deflected under them.
Lord (1630).
© Webster 1913.
De*flect", v. i.
To turn aside; to deviate from a right or a horizontal line, or from a proper position, course or direction; to swerve.
At some part of the Azores, the needle deflecteth not, but lieth in the true meridian.
Sir T. Browne.
To deflect from the line of truth and reason.
Warburton.
© Webster 1913.