as adv. (or predicative.adj.) On the face, on the belly; prone. (Cf. Swedish dialect ligga gruve.)

on grufe (rarely on the grufe): face downwards, in a prone position, grovelling. Compare agroof, adv. Scottish and northern.

= grovelling, adv.

Face downward; in or to a prone or prostrate position.

In or into a prone position; face downwards. Also figurative. Cf. on grufe at groof, n. adv.1.

With the belly on the ground or along a surface.

In a prostrate position or manner.

in a grovelling manner.

In or into a prostrate position.

In a prone position; face downwards. (In quot. 1578: right down, flat down.)

on one's grufe: = sense 1. Scottish.

Lying on one's stomach, prone.