The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

cowering \cowering\ adj.
   characterized by or showing abject fear. [prenominal]

   Syn: craven, cringing(prenominal), fearful, recreant.
        [WordNet 1.5]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Cower \Cow"er\ (kou"[~e]r), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Cowered
   (kou"[~e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Cowering.] [Cf. Icel. kera to
   doze, liequiet, Sw. kura, Dan. kure, G. kauern to cower, W.
   cwrian.]
   To stoop by bending the knees; to crouch; to squat; hence, to
   quail; to sink through fear.
   [1913 Webster]

         Our dame sits cowering o'er a kitchen fire. --Dryden.
   [1913 Webster]

         Like falcons, cowering on the nest.      --Goldsmith.
   [1913 Webster]