1. (v. t.) To draw one's self together as in fear or servility; to bend or crouch with base humility; to wince; hence; to make court in a degrading manner; to fawn.

2. (v. t.) To contract; to draw together; to cause to shrink or wrinkle; to distort.

3. (n.) Servile civility; fawning; a shrinking or bowing, as in fear or servility.