kowtow

To kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in expression of deep respect, worship, or submission, as formerly done in China.

To show servile deference. synonym: fawn.

The act of kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground.

An obsequious act.

See kotow.

To perform the kowtow. Same as kotow

The prostration made by mandarins and others to their superiors, either as homage or worship, by knocking the forehead on the ground; same as kotow. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings.

To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.

To bow very deeply.

To act in a very submissive manner.