Word of the Day
Sunday, September 17, 2000
obeisance
\oh-BEE-suhn(t)s; oh-BAY-suhn(t)s\ , noun;
1.
An expression of deference or respect, such as a bow or curtsy.
Quotes:
They made obeisance right to the floor, coiling like bright snakes from the arms of their astonished handlers.
-- Ann Wroe, Pontius Pilate
His presence was betrayed to Miloš, who ordered his execution and then sent his rival's head to the Sultan to demonstrate his obeisance.
-- Misha Glenny, The Balkans
In all, it had served to create a highly restrictive societywhere the arrogance of superiors was as ingrained as their subordinates'fawning obeisance.
-- Robert Whiting, Tokyo Underworld
Origin:
Obeisance comes from Old French obeissance, from obeissant, present participle of obeir, to obey, from Latin oboedire, to listen to, from ob-, to + audire, to hear. The adjective form is obeisant.
Previous
Words of the Day
Get Word of the Day
Free Email Sign Up
SMS-Text WDAY to 44636.
Standard messaging rates apply
x
