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

intransitive verb. To show servile deference. synonym: fawn.

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

noun. An obsequious act.

See kotow.

intransitive verb. To perform the kowtow. Same as kotow

noun. 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.

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

verb. To bow very deeply.

verb. To act in a very submissive manner.

noun. The act of kowtowing.

noun. a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission

verb. try to gain favor by cringing or flattering

verb. bend the knees and bow in a servile manner