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]