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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.

Now crouch like a cur.

Beau. & Fl.

2. To bend servilely; to stoop meanly; to
fawn; to cringe. "A crouching purpose."
Wordsworth.

Must I stand and crouch

Under your testy humor?

Shak.

Crouch, v. t. [OE. cruchen,
crouchen, from cruche, crouche, cross. Cf.
Crosier, Crook.] 1. To sign
with the cross; to bless. [Obs.] Chaucer.

2. To bend, or cause to bend, as in
humility or fear.

She folded her arms across her chest,

And crouched her head upon her breast.


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