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 legs 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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
Colerige.
© Webster 1913.