crouch

1. (intransitive) To bend down; to stoop low; to stand close to the ground with legs bent, like an animal when waiting for prey, or someone in fear.Examples: "We crouched behind the low wall until the squad of soldiers had passed by."; "Archer and Jacob jumped up from behind the mound where they had been crouching with the intention of springing upon their mother unexpectedly, and they all began to walk slowly home."Synonyms: huddleintransitive

2. (intransitive) To bend servilely; to bow in reverence or humility.Examples: "kings ſhall crouch vnto our conquering ſwords, And hoſtes of Souldiers ſtand amazd at vs, When with their fearfull tongues they ſhall confeſſe Theſe are the men that al the world admires,"; "Must I stand and crouch Under your testy humour?"; "a crouching purpose"intransitive