crouch 
(krouch)
(krouch)v. crouched, crouch·ing, crouch·es
v.intr.
1.
a. To stoop, especially with the knees bent: crouched over the grate, searching for his keys.
b. To press the entire body close to the ground with the limbs bent: a cat crouching near its prey.
2. To bend servilely or timidly; cringe.
v.tr.
To bend (the head or knee, for example) low, as in fear or humility.
n.
The act or posture of bending low or crouching.
[Middle English crouchen, probably from Old North French *crouchir, to become bent, variant of Old French crochir, from croche, hook; see CROCHET.]