ppl. a. [f. FLEX v. + -ED1.] Bent. Now only Her. and in scientific use. Flexed and reflexed (Her.), having the two extremities curved in opposite directions, like the letter S.
1572. [see FLEX v.].
1610. Guillim, Heraldry, III. xiii. (1611), 125. The Proboscide, Trunke, or Snout of an Elephant, in Pale, Couped, Flexed and Reflexed, after the forme of a Roman S.
1632. Lithgow, Trav., VII. 334. Being disbarked, I gave God thankes upon my flexed knees for my safe arrivall in Christendome.
1828–40. Berry, Encycl. Herald., I. Flexed, bent or bowed, somewhat circular.
1863. Boutell, Heraldry Hist. & Pop., xi. § 1. 56. Gules, three Legs armed proper, conjoined in the Fesse point at the upper part of the thighs, flexed in a triangle, garnished and spurred or.
1880. Huxley, Crayfish, iii. 99. Any decrease of resistance to lateral strains which may thus arise, is compensated by the increasing overlap of the pleura, which reaches its maximum when the abdomen is completely flexed.
