This is the 12040th most frequent Portuguese word.
recuava
"Recuava" is the imperfect past tense of "recuar," meaning "to retreat" or "to step back."
The word 'recuava' is used here in the context of physically moving backward as a response to a threatening situation.
Ele recuava lentamente enquanto encarava o perigo.
He was backing away slowly while facing the danger.
The word 'recuava' in this sentence is used metaphorically to describe the action of going back in time within the context of a narrative.
A história contada por ela recuava até os tempos antigos.
Her story went back to ancient times.
The word 'recuava' here indicates not metaphorical or physical movement backward but rather holding one's ground and not backing down in the face of opposition.