Crouch — Defs

01 v. i. To bend down; to stoop low; to lie close to the ground with the logs bent, as an animal when waiting for prey, or in fear.

imp. & p. p. Crouched; p. pr. & vb. n. Crouching

1.
To bend down; to stoop low; to lie close to the ground with the logs bent, as an animal when waiting for prey, or in fear.
“Now crouch like a cur.” — Beau. & Fl.
2.
To bend servilely; to stoop meanly; to fawn; to cringe.
“Must I stand and crouch Under your testy humor?” — Shak.

02 v. t. To sign with the cross; to bless.

1.
To sign with the cross; to bless.[Obs.]
2.
To bend, or cause to bend, as in humility or fear.
“She folded her arms across her chest, And crouched her head upon her breast.” — Colerige.