genuflect
[jen-yoo-flekt]
verb (used without object)
to bend the knee or touch one knee to the floor in reverence or worship.
to express a servile attitude.
Origin of genuflect
1620–30; < Medieval Latin genūflectere to bend the knee, equivalent to Latin genū-, stem of genu knee + flectere to bend
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for genuflect
Contemporary Examples of genuflect
But the essential instinct to genuflect to the ultra-rich is intact.
Yet when it is one of the anointed ratings agencies, there is this sudden need to genuflect.
Their mask of brain rot allows them to genuflect in the face of ignorance.
Historical Examples of genuflect
It hurt Sophia just to watch her struggle to genuflect before the cardinal.
The Saracen: The Holy WarRobert Shea
If it is a Roman Catholic wedding they genuflect as they reach the chancel.
The Complete BachelorWalter Germain
It was well for the people to know when to kneel, when to bow the head, and when to genuflect.
Robert Annys: Poor PriestAnnie Nathan Meyer
Should we not, when we enter the church, genuflect, bend the knee in His honor?
Mary, Help of ChristiansVarious
"It's customary to genuflect when you enter the Viceroy's presence," said the standing one at last.
UpstartsL. J. Stecher
genuflect
verb (intr)
Word Origin for genuflect
C17: from Medieval Latin genūflectere, from Latin genu knee + flectere to bend
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper