All 12 Uses of

reflection
in
Gulliver's Travels

Yet, so far have you been from answering my expectation in any of your letters; that on the contrary you are loading our carrier every week with libels, and keys, and reflections, and memoirs, and second parts; wherein I see myself accused of reflecting upon great state folk; of degrading human nature (for so they have still the confidence to style it), and of abusing the female sex.
Chpt Intr.

reflections = expressed thoughts (or perhaps memories)

I did so, and immediately all the troops gave a shout between terror and surprise; for the sun shone clear, and the reflection dazzled their eyes, as I waved the scimitar to and fro in my hand.
Chpt 1

reflection = light seen bouncing off a surface

Scared and confounded as I was, I could not forbear going on with these reflections, when one of the reapers, approaching within ten yards of the ridge where I lay, made me apprehend that with the next step I should be squashed to death under his foot, or cut in two with his reaping-hook.
Chpt 2

reflections = thoughts

I confess this reflection was obvious enough; which, however, I could not forbear, lest the reader might think those vast creatures were actually deformed: for I must do them the justice to say, they are a comely race of people, and particularly the features of my master's countenance, although he was but a farmer, when I beheld him from the height of sixty feet, appeared very well proportioned.
Chpt 2

reflection = thoughtful observation

His apprehension was so clear, and his judgment so exact, that he made very wise reflections and observations upon all I said.
Chpt 2 *

reflections = thoughtful observations

As it approached nearer over the place where I was, it appeared to be a firm substance, the bottom flat, smooth, and shining very bright, from the reflection of the sea below.
Chpt 3

reflection = light seen after it bounces off a surface to another

As every person called up made exactly the same appearance he had done in the world, it gave me melancholy reflections to observe how much the race of human kind was degenerated among us within these hundred years past; how the pox, under all its consequences and denominations had altered every lineament of an English countenance; shortened the size of bodies, unbraced the nerves, relaxed the sinews and muscles, introduced a sallow complexion, and rendered the flesh loose and rancid.
Chpt 3

reflections = thoughts

But I had no time to pursue these reflections; for the gray horse came to the door, and made me a sign to follow him into the third room where I saw a very comely mare, together with a colt and foal, sitting on their haunches upon mats of straw, not unartfully made, and perfectly neat and clean.
Chpt 4

He seemed therefore confident, that, instead of reason we were only possessed of some quality fitted to increase our natural vices; as the reflection from a troubled stream returns the image of an ill shapen body, not only larger but more distorted.
Chpt 4

reflection = image (seen on a mirror or other shiny surface)

When I happened to behold the reflection of my own form in a lake or fountain, I turned away my face in horror and detestation of myself, and could better endure the sight of a common Yahoo than of my own person.
Chpt 4 *

I never suffer a word to pass that may look like reflection, or possibly give the least offence, even to those who are most ready to take it.
Chpt 4

reflection = voiced thought

Definitions:

(1) (reflection as in: my reflection in the mirror)
an image (seen on a mirror or other shiny surface)
(2) (reflection as in: lit by the reflection)
light seen after it bounces off a surface to another; or the process of bouncing light, sound, or other energy off of a surface
(3) (reflection as in: is a reflection of American values)
something that indirectly shows something else -- such as an indication, demonstration, expression, or representation of something
The exact meaning of this sense of reflection depends upon its context. For example:
- "The students' behavior is a reflection on the school." -- indication of quality
- "She says the immorality in the movie is a reflection of American values." -- expression or representation
- "It was a reflection of the selfishness she had seen growing for years." -- demonstration
- "The surrounding panic found no reflection in her." -- expression or demonstration
- "I saw no reflection of jealousy in her action." -- indication or sign
(4) (reflection as in: After reflection, I think...)
careful thought
(5) (reflection as in: a humbling reflection (memory))
memories and thoughts about them
(6) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)
meaning too rare to warrant focus:

See a comprehensive dictionary for less common meanings of reflection.