3 entries under this word
(krĭnj), v. t. [Cf. Icel. kringja, to make round, kringr, circle. See CRANK, n., and CRINGLE.] To cause to shrink or wrinkle; to contract; to draw together.
Whip him, fellows, Till like a boy you see him cringe his face, And whine aloud for mercy. Shak.
(krĭnj), v. i. [imp. & p. p. CRINGED (krĭnjd); p. pr. & vb. n. CRINGING.] To draw one's self together as in fear or timid servility; to bend with base humility; to bow; hence, to make court in a low and degrading manner; to fawn.
Who more than thou Once fawned and cringed, and servilely adored Heav’n’s awful monarch? <i>Milton.</i>
(krĭnj), n. Servile civility; a mean bow. Far from me Be fawning cringe.