The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Crouch \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. 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]