squatted

Instead of of keeping his distance from the pile, he squatted, reached out and lit it.

Following each display, a crowd of growers and researchers squatted in the rows to examine the machine’s work, murmuring among themselves about charred leaves or disrupted dirt.

After the Gold Rush, Shasta Indians worked to reclaim their historical community by purchasing or homesteading land parcels; some “squatted” on newly privatized lands they did not own.

He squatted down and ran his finger along their spines.

Mr. Morales squatted down and winked at me.