from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cringe \Cringe\ (kr[i^]nj), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Cringed}
(kr[i^]njd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Cringing}.] [As. crincgan,
cringan, crincan, to jield, fall; akin to E. crank.]
To draw one's self together as in fear or servility; to bend
or crouch with base humility; to wince; hence, to make court
in a degrading manner; to fawn.
[1913 Webster]
When they were come up to the place where the lions
were, the boys that went before were glad to cringe
behind, for they were afraid of the lions. --Bunyan.
[1913 Webster]
Sly hypocrite, . . . who more than thou
Once fawned and cringed, and servilely adored
Heaven's awful monarch? --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Flatterers . . . are always bowing and cringing.
--Arbuthnot.
[1913 Webster]