— huddler , n. — huddlingly , adv.
/hud"l/ , v. , huddled, huddling , n.
v.i.
1. to gather or crowd together in a close mass.
2. to crouch, curl up, or draw oneself together.
3. Football. to get together in a huddle.
4. to confer or consult; meet to discuss, exchange ideas, or make a decision.
v.t.
5. to heap or crowd together closely.
6. to draw (oneself) closely together, as in crouching; nestle (often fol. by up ).
7. Chiefly Brit. to do hastily and carelessly (often fol. by up, over, or together ).
8. to put on (clothes) with careless haste (often fol. by on ).
n.
9. a closely gathered group, mass, or heap; bunch.
10. Football. a gathering of the offensive team in a close circle or line behind the line of scrimmage for instructions, signals, etc., from the team captain or quarterback, usually held before each offensive play.
11. a conference, or consultation, esp. a private meeting to discuss serious matters: The labor representatives have been in a huddle for two hours.
12. confusion or disorder.
[ 1570-80; hud- (weak grade of root found in HIDE 1 ) + -LE; r. ME hoder, equiv. to hod- (var. hud- ) + -er -ER 6 ]