cringe

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cringe. XIII ME. crenge, varying with crenche, corr. to OE. crinġan, crinċan fall in battle, Du. krengen heel over, and rel to ON. krangr weak, frail, kranga creep along, and MLG., Du., MHG. krenken weaken, injure, (M)LG., (M)HG. krank sick, ill, slight (see CRANK 1).

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