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squat (1)

squat [ skwot ]


intransitive verb  (past and past participle squat·ted, present participle squat·ting, 3rd person present singular squats)
Definition:
 
1. crouch down: to crouch down with the knees bent and the thighs resting on the calves

2. crouch down low: to crouch close to the ground like an animal, especially in order to avoid being seen

3. occupy property without legal claim: to occupy land or buildings without permission of the owner or other rights holder



adjective  (comparative squat·ter, superlative squat·test)
Definition:
 
1. short and solid: short and solidly built

2. in crouched posture: in a crouched position



noun  (plural squats)
Definition:
 
1. action of squatting: the action of crouching down with the knees bent and the thighs resting on the calves

2. squatting position: a crouched posture with knees bent and thighs resting on calves

3. weightlifting exercise: an exercise in weightlifting in which the lifter raises a barbell while rising from a crouching position

4. U.K. property occupied by squatters: a piece of property that is occupied by squatters

5. hare's lair: the den of a hare

[14th century. < Old French esquatir "crush" < Latin coactus, past participle of cogere "force together"]

squat·ness noun
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