7 uses
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Definition
to show submission or fear — sometimes by crawling or lying face down
- 'Mercy, lord!' whined Wormtongue, grovelling on the ground.3.6 — Book 3 Chapter 6 — The King of the Golden Hall (71% in)
- His horse bolted in terror, and he grovelled on the ground.3.9 — Book 3 Chapter 9 — Flotsam and Jetsam (85% in)
- His eyes smouldered with anger, but he could not avenge himself: his miserable enemy lay grovelling on the stones whimpering.4.1 — Book 4 Chapter 1 — The Taming of Smeagol (72% in)
- Then crawling to Frodo's feet he grovelled before him, whispering hoarsely: a shudder ran over him, as if the words shook his very bones with fear.4.1 — Book 4 Chapter 1 — The Taming of Smeagol (93% in)
- They fell forward, grovelling heedlessly on the cold earth.4.2 — Book 4 Chapter 2 — The Passage of the Marshes (64% in)
- But what went on in his wretched heart between the pressure of the Eye, and the lust of the Ring that was so near, and his grovelling promise made half in the fear of cold iron, the hobbits did not guess: Frodo gave no thought to it.4.2 — Book 4 Chapter 2 — The Passage of the Marshes (71% in)
- He grovelled on the ground and could speak no clear words but nice master.4.3 — Book 4 Chapter 3 — The Black Gate is Closed (42% in)
There are no more uses of "grovel" in The Two Towers.
Typical Usage
(best examples)