The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Cringe \Cringe\ (kr[i^]nj), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Cringed
   (kr[i^]njd); p. pr. & vb. n. Cringing.] [As. crincgan,
   cringan, crincan, to jield, fall; akin to E. crank.]
   To draw one's self together as in fear or servility; to bend
   or crouch with base humility; to wince; hence, to make court
   in a degrading manner; to fawn.
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         When they were come up to the place where the lions
         were, the boys that went before were glad to cringe
         behind, for they were afraid of the lions. --Bunyan.
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         Sly hypocrite, . . . who more than thou
         Once fawned and cringed, and servilely adored
         Heaven's awful monarch?                  --Milton.
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         Flatterers . . . are always bowing and cringing.
                                                  --Arbuthnot.
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