[f. CRINGE v.]
1. A deferential, servile or fawning obeisance. Often a hostile or derisive name for a bow.
1597. 1st Pt. Return fr. Parnass., V. iii. That better doe rewarde each scriveners pen, Each tapsters cringe, each rubbinge ostler.
1603. B. Jonson, Sejanus, I. i. He is the now court God, and well applyed With sacrefice of Knees, of Crookes, and Cringe.
1624. Gataker, Transubst., 113. Where are all those crossings and bendings, and cringes and turnings?
1700. R. Pearson, Naaman Vind., 10. Nor could he hope, by a few external Cringes … to expiate for his notorious neglect.
1751. Johnson, Rambler, No. 180, ¶ 1. The professors … flocked round him with all the cringes of awkward complaisance.
1852. Thackeray, Esmond, I. (1876), 2. Performing cringes and congees like a court-chamberlain.
2. fig. A cringing or obsequious act.
1610. Healey, St. Aug. Citie of God, V. xxiv. Puffed up with … the cringes of their subjects.
1751. Johnson, Rambler, No. 180, ¶ 12. To purchase favour by cringes and compliance.
