kowtow
to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference.
to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc., especially in former Chinese custom.
the act of kowtowing.
Origin of kowtow
1- Sometimes ko·tow [koh-tou, -tou] /ˈkoʊˈtaʊ, -ˌtaʊ/ .
Other words from kowtow
- kowtower, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use kowtow in a sentence
Kotow; pour our millions into the bottomless purses of spendthrifts; give them our most beautiful women.
The Voice in the Fog | Harold MacGrathAs soon as he saw me he fell down upon his knees and "kotow'd" to me, with every mark of the liveliest gratitude.
An Australian in China | George Ernest MorrisonA reception within the palace without the kotow could not even be discussed.
The Englishman in China During the Victorian Era, Vol. II (of 2) | Alexander MichieEven in the midst of a mess like this we'll have to kotow to his rank or he'll probably be reporting us.
The U-boat hunters | James B. ConnollyI believe if you asked me to do the Chinese kotow, and bend to the earth before you, I'd secretly be dying to do it.
The Militants | Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
British Dictionary definitions for kowtow
/ (ˌkaʊˈtaʊ) /
to touch the forehead to the ground as a sign of deference: a former Chinese custom
(often foll by to) to be servile or obsequious (towards)
the act of kowtowing
Origin of kowtow
1Derived forms of kowtow
- kowtower, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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