grovel
grov.el or grov.el.ler \'gra:v-*l, 'gr*v-\ \-(*-)lin\ \-(*-)l*r\ vi or grov.eled or grov.elled; or grov.el.ing; or grov.el.ling [back-formation fr. groveling prone, fr. groveling, adv., fr. ME, f]r. gruf, adv., on the face (fr. ON a- gru-fu) + -ling; akin to OE cre-opan to creep 1: to creep with the face to the ground : CRAWL 2a: to lie or creep with the body prostrate in token of subservience or ab asement 2b: to abase oneself - grov.el.er n