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.