- reverse (adv./adj.)
- c.1300, from O.Fr. revers "reverse, cross," from L. reversus, pp. of revertere "turn back" (see revert). Reverse angle in film-making is from 1934. Reverse discrimination is attested from 1976.
- reverse (n.)
- late 14c., "opposite or contrary" (of something), from reverse (adv./adj.); meaning "a defeat, a change of fortune" is from 1520s; meaning "back side of a coin" is from 1620s. Of gear-shifts in motor cars, from 1875. As a type of sports play (originally rugby) it is recorded from 1921.
- reverse (v.)
- early 14c., from O.Fr. reverser (12c.); see reverse (adv./adj.).