verb (used without object),squat·ted or squat,squat·ting.
to sit in a low or crouching position with the legs drawn up closely beneath or in front of the body; sit on one's haunches or heels.
to crouch down or cower, as an animal.
to settle on or occupy property, especially otherwise unoccupied property, without any title, right, or payment of rent.
to settle on public land under government regulation, in order to acquire title.
Nautical. (of a vessel, especially a power vessel) to draw more water astern when in motion forward than when at rest.
verb (used with object),squat·ted or squat,squat·ting.
to cause to squat.
to occupy (property) as a squatter.
adjective,squat·ter,squat·test.
(of a person, animal, the body, etc.) short and thickset.
low and thick or broad: The building had a squat shape.
seated or being in a squatting position; crouching.
noun
the act or fact of squatting.
a squatting position or posture.
a weightlifting exercise in which a person squats and then returns to an erect position while holding a barbell at the back of the shoulders.
Nautical. the tendency of a vessel to draw more water astern when in motion than when stationary.
Slang. diddly-squat.
a place occupied by squatters.
Origin of squat
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (verb) squatten, from Old French esquater, esquatir, equivalent to es- + quatir, from unattested Vulgar Latin coactīre “to compress,” equivalent to Latin coāct(us), past participle of cōgere “to compress” (co- + ag(ere) “to drive” + -tus past participle suffix) + -īre infinitive suffix; (noun) Middle English, derivative of the verb; see origin at ex-1, co-
The fitness coaches at a globo-gym like Gold's would notice that a user was struggling with their squat or treadmill run.
Amiigo Tracker Pairs Data With Deadlifts|Gregory Ferenstein|August 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The barracks is a squat building surrounded by sandbags on a side street near the city center.
Ukraine’s Pro-Putin Rebels Prepare for a Last Stand|David Patrikarakos|July 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The only difference is that you jump straight up and then land in a squat position.
Squats: The Absolutely Incredible Secret to Staying in Shape|Ari Meisel|January 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In an isometric squat, drop down into your squat position and then just hold it there for as long as you can.
Squats: The Absolutely Incredible Secret to Staying in Shape|Ari Meisel|January 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Squats invigorate your nervous system and help your stress response since the squat is a naturally defensive position.
Squats: The Absolutely Incredible Secret to Staying in Shape|Ari Meisel|January 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In front, broken only by a line of trees and the squat humps of six antiquated cannons, sparkled the blue expanse of the Pacific.
His Unknown Wife|Louis Tracy
Across the river, at the centre of the yellow bend, it stood—the squat shack.
The Plow-Woman|Eleanor Gates
The squat, square tower of Rochdale Church might be seen above the dark trees nestling under its grey walls.
Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 (of 2)|John Roby
We wriggle across the floor inelegantly and squat opposite to her.
Round the Wonderful World|G. E. Mitton
There appeared to be the tip of a tail protruding from behind one of the squat legs.
Missing Link|Frank Patrick Herbert
British Dictionary definitions for squat
squat
/ (skwɒt) /
verbsquats, squattingorsquatted(intr)
to rest in a crouching position with the knees bent and the weight on the feet
to crouch down, esp in order to hide
law(tr)to occupy land or property to which the occupant has no legal title
weightliftingto crouch down to one's knees and rise to a standing position while holding (a specified weight) behind one's neck
adjective
Also: squatty (ˈskwɒtɪ) short and broada squat chair
noun
a squatting position
weightliftingan exercise in which a person crouches down and rises up repeatedly while holding a barbell at shoulder height
a house occupied by squatters
Derived forms of squat
squatly, adverbsquatness, noun
Word Origin for squat
C13: from Old French esquater, from es-ex-1 + catir to press together, from Vulgar Latin coactīre (unattested), from Latin cōgere to compress, from co- + agere to drive