What is "grovelled"

Grovel \Grov"el\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Groveledor Grovelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Groveling or Grovelling.] [From OE. grovelinge, grufelinge, adv., on the face, prone, which was misunderstood as a p. pr.; cf. OE. gruf, groff, in the same sense; of Scand. origin, cf. Icel. gr[=u]fa, in [=a] gr[=u]fu on the face, prone, gr[=u]fa to grovel.]

1. To creep on the earth, or with the face to the ground; to lie prone, or move uneasily with the body prostrate on the earth; to lie flat on one's belly, expressive of abjectness; to crawl.

   To creep and grovel on the ground.
   --Dryden.

2. To tend toward, or delight in, what is sensual or base; to be low, abject, or mean.

alt. (context British English) (en-simple past of: grovel) vb. (context British English) (en-simple past of: grovel)

See grovel

1. v. show submission or fear [syn: fawn, crawl, creep, cringe, cower]

2. [also: grovelling, grovelled]