curtsy

American  

[kurt-see] / ˈkɜrt si /

Or curtsey

noun

plural

curtsies

1. a respectful bow made by women and girls, consisting of bending the knees and lowering the body.

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verb (used without object)

curtsied, curtsying

1. to make a curtsy.

curtsy British  

/ ˈkɜːtsɪ /

noun

1. a formal gesture of greeting and respect made by women in which the knees are bent, the head slightly bowed, and the skirt held outwards

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verb

1. (intr) to make a curtsy

Etymology

Origin of curtsy

First recorded in 1520–30; variant of courtesy

Example Sentences

“Mrs. Potter, it’s a pleasure to meet you and Miss Penelope,” the Atkinson ladies were saying, with formal bows and curtsies.

From Literature

When they accepted the award on her behalf - as is customary for presenters- Hahn curtsied and said "I'm Michelle Williams".

From BBC

Cassiopeia curtsied and spread both arms wide, as if to embrace the earth itself.

From Literature

A bemused Miss Mortimer opened her office door to find the Incorrigibles taking mock bows and curtsies before an imaginary audience, as if they had just concluded a successful opening night on the West End.

From Literature

Penelope stood on one leg like a stork and did her best to curtsy.

From Literature