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.

To bend servilely; to stoop meanly; to fawn; to cringe.

To bend, or cause to bend, as in humility or fear.

the act of bending low with the limbs close to the body

bend one's back forward from the waist on down; "he crouched down"; "She bowed before the Queen"; "The young man stooped to pick up the girl's purse"

sit on one's heels; "In some cultures, the women give birth while squatting"; "The children hunkered down to protect themselves from the sandstorm"