Main Entry: crouch

Pronunciation: \ˈkrau̇ch\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English

Date: 14th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to lower the body stance especially by bending the legs <a sprinter crouched ready to go> b : to lie close to the ground with the legs bent <a pair of cats, crouching on the brink of a fight — Aldous Huxley>
2 : to bend or bow servilely : cringe
3 : to stand at a low height <cottages crouched along the river>transitive verb : to bow especially in humility or fear : bend

— crouch noun