Reverse bearing (Surv.), the bearing of a back station as observed from
the station next in advance. - - Reverse curve (Railways), a curve like
the letter S, formed of two curves bending in opposite directions. --
Reverse fire (Mil.), a fire in the rear. -- Reverse operation (Math.),
an operation the steps of which are taken in a contrary order to that
in which the same or similar steps are taken in another operation
considered as direct; an operation in which that is sought which in
another operation is given, and that given which in the other is
sought; as, finding the length of a pendulum from its time of vibration
is the reverse operation to finding the time of vibration from the
length.
<! p. 1234 !>
Re*verse" (r*vrs"), n. [Cf. F. revers. See Reverse, a.] 1. That which
appears or is presented when anything, as a lance, a line, a course of
conduct, etc., is reverted or turned contrary to its natural direction.
He did so with the reverse of the lance.
Sir W. Scott.
2. That which is directly opposite or contrary to something else; a
contrary; an opposite. Chaucer.
And then mistook reverse of wrong for right.
Pope.
To make everything the reverse of what they have seen, is quite as
easy as to destroy.
Burke.
3. The act of reversing; complete change; reversal; hence, total change
in circumstances or character; especially, a change from better to
worse; misfortune; a check or defeat; as, the enemy met with a reverse.
The strange reverse of fate you see; I pitied you, now you may pity
me.
Dryden.
By a reverse of fortune, Stephen becomes rich.
Lamb.
4. The back side; as, the reverse of a drum or trench; the reverse of a
medal or coin, that is, the side opposite to the obverse. See Obverse.
5. A thrust in fencing made with a backward turn of the hand; a
backhanded stroke. [Obs.] Shak.
6. (Surg.) A turn or fold made in bandaging, by which the direction of
the bandage is changed.
Re*verse", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reversed (-vrst");p. pr. & vb. n.
Reversing.] [See Reverse, a., and cf. Revert.] 1. To turn back; to
cause to face in a contrary direction; to cause to depart.
And that old dame said many an idle verse, Out of her daughter's
heart fond fancies to reverse.
Spenser.