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obeisant

 - 2 dictionary results

o⋅bei⋅sance

  [oh-bey-suhns, oh-bee-]
Use obeisant in a Sentence
–noun
1. a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy, as before a superior; a bow, curtsy, or other similar gesture.
2. deference or homage: The nobles gave obeisance to the new king.
Origin:
1325–75; ME obeisaunce < MF obeissance, deriv. of OF obeissant, prp. of obeir to obey; see -ance

Related forms:
o⋅bei⋅sant, adjective
o⋅bei⋅sant⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To obeisant
o·bei·sance   (ō-bā'səns, ō-bē'-)   
n.  

  1. A gesture or movement of the body, such as a curtsy, that expresses deference or homage.

  2. An attitude of deference or homage.


[Middle English obeisaunce, from Old French obeissance, from obeissant, present participle of obeir, to obey; see obey.]
o·bei'sant adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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