Definitions for kowtowˈkaʊˈtaʊ, -ˌtaʊ, ˈkoʊ-
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
kow•towˈkaʊˈtaʊ, -ˌtaʊ, ˈkoʊ-(v.i.)
to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference.
to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, respect, etc., esp. in former Chinese custom.
(n.)the act of kowtowing.
Origin of kowtow:
1795–1805; < Chin kòutóu lit., knock (one's) head
kow′tow′er(n.)
Princeton's WordNet
kowtow, kotow(verb)
a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
scrape, kowtow, genuflect(verb)
bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
fawn, toady, truckle, bootlick, kowtow, kotow, suck up(verb)
try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
"He is always kowtowing to his boss"
Wiktionary
kowtow(Noun)
The act of kowtowing.
kowtow(Verb)
To kneel and bow low enough to touch oneu2019s forehead to the ground.
kowtow(Verb)
To bow very deeply.
kowtow(Verb)
To act in a very submissive manner.
Origin: From 叩頭 / 叩头 (kau3 tau4) kau3 ‘knock’ + tau4 ‘head’; Chinese 叩頭 / 叩头 (kòutóu) kòu ‘knock’ + tóu ‘head’.
Webster Dictionary
Kowtow(u)
the same as Kotow
Citation
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