This is the 9652nd most frequent Japanese word.
臥
"臥" means "to lie down" or "to recline."
The word '臥' is used here to mean 'lying down', commonly associated with a state of rest or recovery, especially in illness contexts.
彼は病のために臥している。
He is lying down due to illness.
Here, '臥' is used to describe the tiger's action of lying down, emphasizing a calm or resting stance.
虎が木の下に臥しているのを見た。
I saw a tiger lying under the tree.
In this sentence, '臥' figuratively represents the act of bowing or prostration, connected with showing respect or homage.