kowtow
[ kou-tou, -tou, koh- ]
verb (used without object)
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.
noun
the act of kowtowing.
Origin of kowtow
1First recorded in 1795–1805, kowtow is from the Chinese word kòutóu, literally, “knock (one's) head”
- 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
British Dictionary definitions for kowtow
kowtow
/ (ˌkaʊˈtaʊ) /
verb(intr)
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)
noun
the act of kowtowing
Origin of kowtow
1C19: from Chinese k'o t'ou, from k'o to strike, knock + t'ou head
Derived 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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