v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Crouched 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. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Now crouch like a cur. Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To bend servilely; to stoop meanly; to fawn; to cringe. “A crouching purpose.” Wordsworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

Must I stand and crouch
Under your testy humor? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ OE. cruchen, crouchen, from cruche, crouche, cross. Cf. Crosier, Crook. ] 1. To sign with the cross; to bless. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To bend, or cause to bend, as in humility or fear. [ 1913 Webster ]

She folded her arms across her chest,
And crouched her head upon her breast. Colerige. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Marked with the sign of the cross. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Crouched friar. See Crutched friar, under Crutched. [ 1913 Webster ]