kowtow

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: kotowscrapegenuflectfawntoadytrucklebootlicksuck up

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submissionSynonyms: kotow

Verb (2)

  1. bend the knees and bow in a servile mannerSynonyms: scrapegenuflect
  2. try to gain favor by cringing or flattering“He is always kowtowing to his boss”Synonyms: fawntoadytrucklebootlickkotowsuck up
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Kotow \Ko*tow"\, n. [Chinese, knock head.] Same as kowtow, the more common spellings. [China] [Also spelled kowtow.] --S. W. Williams. [1913 Webster]
Kotow \Ko*tow"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Kotowed; p. pr. & vb. n. Kotowing.]

1.To perform the kotow. Now usually spelled kowtow. [Also spelled kowtow.] [1913 Webster]

2.To defer to another in a servile or humiliating manner; to act obsequiously. [PJC]

Kowtow \Kow*tow"\, n. [Chinese, knock head.] 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. [China] [Also spelled kotow.] --S. W. Williams. [1913 Webster]
Kowtow \Kow*tow"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Kowtowed; p. pr. & vb. n. Kowtowing.] To perform the kowtow. Same as Kotow [1913 Webster]

I have salaamed and kowtowed to him. --H. James. [1913 Webster]

2.To defer to another in a servile or humiliating manner; to act obsequiously.

Syn: kotow. [PJC]

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