to squat on one's heels (often fol. by down ).

Informal .

to hunch

The driver hunkered over the steering wheel.

to hide, hide out, or take shelter (usually fol. by down )

The escaped convicts hunkered down in a cave in the mountains.

to hold resolutely or stubbornly to a policy, opinion, etc., when confronted by criticism, opposition, or unfavorable circumstances (usually fol. by down )

Though all the evidence was against him, he hunkered down and refused to admit his guilt.

Slang . to lumber along; walk or move slowly or aimlessly.

hunkers, one's haunches. ?

on one's hunkers

British Informal . squatting on one's heels.

suffering a period of poverty, bad luck, or the like.