Answer: The underlined words that match with their correct contextual meanings are:
Squatted -----> to crouch or sit with bent knees
Soothing ---- > to have a calming effect
Rearing ---> to get up or raise oneself
Scoured ---> to search or peer at thoroughly to locate something
Explanation: "The Open Boat" is a short story written by Stephen Crane and published in 1897. Moreover, the text focuses on a real-life experience of the author. "Squatted", "soothing", "rearing" and "scoured" are all words that appear in this story. <u>"Squatted" </u>is the past participle of the verb "squat", which means <u>to sit with one's knees bent</u>, and<u> "soothing"</u> is an adjective used to refer to<u> something that makes someone feel calmer and more relaxed</u>. <u>"Rearing"</u> is the present participle of "rear", which <u>means to rise up</u>, while<u> "scoured" </u>is the past form of the verb "scour", whose meaning is <u>to search a place or a thing in a very careful way. </u>