My uncle visibly reared at the affront

[shootingstar]

"Aadam," said my grandfather
"I'm vexed you should be present at this business," quoth Uncle Adam, swinging rather obsequiously towards the stonemason; "but I must remind you it is of your own seeking."
"Aadam!" repeated the old man.
"Well, sir, I am listening," says my uncle.
My grandfather took a puff or two in silence; and then, "Ye're makin' an awfu' poor appearance, AAdam," said he.
My uncle visibly reared at the affront. "I'm sorry you should think so," said he, "and still more sorry you should say so before present company."
(R. L. Stevenson and L. Osbourne, The Wrecker, Chapter vi. In Which I Go West)

Please, what does My uncle reared mean in this context? What does his uncle show or do - physically (if at all)?
Thank you very much.

 

[SoothingDave]

1. 2.
   (of a horse or other animal) raise itself upright on its hind legs.
   "the horse reared in terror"
   
   
   • ARCHAIC
     (of a person) show anger or irritation; go on the attack.
     "the press reared up in the wake of the bombings"
     
     
     

 

[shootingstar]

Thank you. Does he do anything physically when he reared at the affront showing anger or irritation?

 

[Skrej]

Probably not, although it's possible he stood up (if he wasn't already standing). The text doesn't suggest he did anything other than be visibly bothered.

 

[jutfrank]

It says he "visibly reared". I take that to mean a physical movement.

The writer is asking you to use your imagination here as to what the uncle looked like as he reacted.