skwɔt v.,
adj., & n. --v. (squatted, squatting) 1 intr. a
crouch with the hams resting on the backs of the heels. b
sit on the ground etc. with the knees
drawn up
and the heels close to or
touching the hams. 2 tr. put (a person)
into a squatting
position. 3 intr. colloq. sit down. 4 a intr.
act as a
squatter. b tr.
occupy (a building) as a squatter. 5 intr. (of an animal) crouch close to the ground. --adj. (squatter, squattest) 1 (of a
person etc.)
short and
thick,
dumpy. 2 in a squatting
posture. --n. 1 a squatting posture. 2 a a
place occupied by a squatter or squatters. b
being a squatter. øøsquatly adv. squatness n. [ME f. OF esquatir
flatten f. esEX-(1) + quatir press down, crouch ult. f. L coactus
past part. of cogere
compel: see COGENT]