expression, godan verb (-su)
turn one's head; look back; look over one's shoulder
Literally turning one's head to look behind or around. Often used in narrative or descriptive contexts.
彼は後ろを振り返るように、こうべをめぐらした。
He turned his head as if to look back.
expression, godan verb (-su)
reflect on; think back; reminisce
Figurative use: mentally looking back on past events or memories. Often used with 過去, 思い出, etc.
彼は青春時代にこうべをめぐらし、懐かしんだ。
He looked back on his youth and felt nostalgic.