turtling

noun5

1. •
   The hunting of turtles (the reptiles).
2. •
   A defensive strategy of avoiding conflict, by maintaining strong defense and little to no offense, while remaining in a fixed position.
3. •
   Turning turtle.
4. •
   (figurative) Any slow progression or build-up.
5. •
   A baby turtle.

   • Drowsy with dawn, barely asail, Buzzes the blue-bottle over the shale, Scared from the pool by the leaping trout; And the brood of turtlings clamber out On the log by their oozy house. — 1912