\Cringe\ (kr?nj), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Crnged} (kr?njd);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Cringing}.] [As. crincgang, cringan,
crincan, to jield, fall; akin to E. crank.]
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.
      When they were come up to the place where the lions
      were, the boys that went before were glad to cringe
      behind, for they were afraid of the lions. --Bunyan.
      Sly hypocrite, . . . who more than thou Once fawned and
      cringed, and servilely adored Heaven's awful monarch?
                                               --Milton.
      Flatterers . . . are always bowing and cringing.
                                               --Arbuthnot.

\Cringe\, v. t.
To contract; to draw together; to cause to shrink or wrinkle;
to distort. [Obs.]
      Till like a boy you see him cringe his face, And whine
      aloud for mercy.                         --Shak.

\Cringe\, n.
Servile civility; fawning; a shrinking or bowing, as in fear
or servility. ``With cringe and shrug, and bow obsequious.''
--Cowper.