[f. as prec. + -ING2.] That cringes, that shrinks or bends the body timorously or servilely; that behaves with servile deference.
1575. G. Harvey, Letter-bk. (Camden), 98. His cringeinge side necke, eies glauncinge, fisnamy smirkinge.
1597. 1st Pt. Return fr. Parnass., Prol. Youe cringinge parasite.
1680. Otway, Orphan, I. i. A huffing shining flatt’ring cringing Coward.
1746–7. Hervey, Medit. (1758), II. 12. In a State of abject and cringing Dependence.
1869. Freeman, Norm. Conq. (1876), III. xiii. 297. He began in a tone of almost cringing loyalty.
