v., adj., & n.
v. (squatted, squatting) 1 intr. a crouch with the hams resting on the backs of the heels. b sit on the ground etc. with the knees drawn up and the heels close to or touching the hams. 2 tr. put (a person) into a squatting position. 3 intr. colloq. sit down. 4 a intr. act as a squatter. b tr. occupy (a building) as a squatter. 5 intr. (of an animal) crouch close to the ground.
adj. (squatter, squattest) 1 (of a person etc.) short and thick, dumpy. 2 in a squatting posture.
n. 1 a squatting posture. 2 a a place occupied by a squatter or squatters. b being a squatter. squatly adv. squatness n.
[ ME f. OF esquatir flatten f. es- EX-(1) + quatir press down, crouch ult. f. L coactus past part. of cogere compel: see COGENT ]