crouch
/kɹaʊt͡ʃ/
noun
Meaning
A bent or stooped position.
"The cat waited in a crouch, hidden behind the hedge."
verb
Meaning
To bend down; to stoop low; to stand close to the ground with legs bent, like an animal when waiting for prey, or someone in fear.
"We crouched behind the low wall until the squad of soldiers had passed by."
To bend servilely; to bow in reverence or humility.