cringe
Cross references: 1. fawn 1. cringe \'krinj\ vi [ME crengen; akin to OE cringan to yield, cradol cradle] 1: to draw in or contract one's muscles involuntarily 2: to shrink in fear or servility 3: to approach someone with fawning and self-abasement - cring.er n 2. cringe n : a cringing act; specif : a servile bow