Crouched

crouch  (krouch)

v. crouched, crouch·ing, crouch·es

v.intr.

1.

a. To stoop, especially with the knees bent: crouched over the grate, searching for his keys.

b. To press the entire body close to the ground with the limbs bent: a cat crouching near its prey.

2. To bend servilely or timidly; cringe.

v.tr.

To bend (the head or knee, for example) low, as in fear or humility.

n.

The act or posture of bending low or crouching.

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[Middle English crouchen, probably from Old North French *crouchir, to become bent, variant of Old French crochir, from croche, hook; see crochet.]