Adopting a low position by bending the knees and lowering the body close to the ground. Often done to hide, prepare for action, or fit into a small space.
From Old French 'crochir' meaning to become bent or hooked, related to 'croc' (hook). The word entered English in the 14th century, originally describing the curved posture of bending down low.
Crouching is one of humanity's most primal postures - it appears in every culture for hunting, hiding, and showing respect. Interestingly, the phrase 'crouching tiger, hidden dragon' reflects how this position embodies both vulnerability and coiled potential energy.
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