kowtow - Definitions from Dictionary.com

5 results for: kowtow

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

kow·tow

Audio Help [kou-tou, -tou, koh-] Pronunciation Key

–verb (used without object)

1.	to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference.

2.	to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc., esp. in former Chinese custom.

–noun

3.	the act of kowtowing.

Also, kotow.

[Origin: 1795–1805; < Chin kòutóu lit., knock (one's) head

]

—Related forms

kowtower, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
kowtow

To learn more about kowtow visit Britannica.com

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

kow·tow Audio Help (kou-tou', kou'tou') Pronunciation Key
intr.v. kow·towed, kow·tow·ing, kow·tows

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. See Synonyms at fawn¹.

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

[From Chinese (Mandarin) kòu tóu, a kowtow : kòu, to knock + tóu, head.]

(Download Now or Buy the Book)

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
kowtow

1804 (n.), from Chinese k'o-t'ou custom of touching the ground with the forehead to show respect or submission, lit. "knock the head," from k'o "knock, bump" + t'ou "head." The verb in the fig. sense of "act in an obsequious manner" is from 1826.

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

kowtow
noun
1.	a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
verb
1.	bend the knees and bow in a servile manner [syn: scrape]
2.	try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always kowtowing to his boss" [syn: fawn]