[grov.el] vi -eled or -elled ; -el.ing or -el.ling [back-formation fr. groveling prone, fr. groveling, adv., fr. ME, fr. gruf, adv., on the face (fr. ON a grufu) + -ling] (1593) 1: to creep with the face to the ground: crawl
2. a: to lie or creep with the body prostrate in token of subservience or abasement b: to abase oneself
3: to give oneself over to what is base or unworthy: wallow "~ing in self-pity" -- grov.el.er n -- grov.el.ing.ly adv