from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Crouch \Crouch\ (krouch; 129), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Crouched}
(kroucht); p. pr. & vb. n. {Crouching}.] [OE. cruchen,
crouchen, crouken; cf. E. creep, G. krauchen, kriechen, or E.
crook to bend, also crouch to cross.]
1. To bend down; to stoop low; to lie close to the ground
with the logs bent, as an animal when waiting for prey, or
in fear.
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Now crouch like a cur. --Beau. & Fl.
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2. To bend servilely; to stoop meanly; to fawn; to cringe. "A
crouching purpose." --Wordsworth.
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Must I stand and crouch
Under your testy humor? --Shak.
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