CROUCH

crouch. Crouch, v. to stoop low, bend, cringe, cross

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Crouch (krouch; 129), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Crouched (kroucht); p. pr. & vb. n. Crouching.] [[OE. cruchen, crouchen, crouken; cf. E. creep, G. krauchen, kriechen, or E. crook to bend, also crouch to cross.]] 1. 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. 2. To bend servilely; to stoop meanly; to fawn; to cringe. “A crouching purpose.” Wordsworth.
Must I stand and crouch Under your testy humor? Shak.