I. ˈkrau̇ch verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English crouchen, perhaps from Middle French crochir to become hook-shaped, from croche hook — more at crochet
intransitive verb
1.
a. obsolete : to bend low as a sign of reverence or deference
crouch to the crucifix
b. : to stoop with the limbs close to the body
beside the kitchen fires, old women crouched as they turned the spit — Van Wyck Brooks
c. : to lie close to the ground with the legs bent (as of a wildcat)
d. : to lower the body stance especially by flexing the legs
a tackle crouching at the line of scrimmage
the sprinter crouched and waited for the gun
2. : to bend or bow servilely : stoop meanly : fawn , cringe
made black Jove to kneel and crouch to me — Christopher Marlowe
transitive verb
: to bow especially in humility or fear : bend
crouch one's head
crouch the knee
II. noun
( -es )
1. : the act or action of crouching
2. : the position of crouching
a boxer who fights mostly in a crouch