obeisance

American  

[oh-bey-suhns, oh-bee-] / oʊˈbeɪ səns, oʊˈbi- /

noun

1. a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy, as before a superior; a bow, curtsy, or other similar gesture.

2. deference or homage.

   The nobles gave obeisance to the new king.

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obeisance British  

/ əʊˈbeɪsəns, əʊˈbiː- /

noun

1. an attitude of deference or homage

2. a gesture expressing obeisance

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Other Word Forms

• obeisant adjective
• obeisantly adverb

Etymology

Origin of obeisance

1325–75; Middle English obeisaunce < Middle French obeissance, derivative of Old French obeissant, present participle of obeir to obey; -ance

Example Sentences

His “gruff” father had little time for such infantilizing obeisance and would resist as best he could.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the demands for obeisance from everyone around him, foreign and domestic, aren't new.

From Salon

But “Saturday Night” and the “Ghostbusters” reboots show an obeisance to his father’s legacy that represents a step backward.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Puja” ceremony required participants to “make obeisance” to one of the Hindu deities and invite those deities “to channel their powers through those present” for the ceremonies, the news release said.

From Washington Times

What I love, and the WGA building does this too, is how they pay a flash of obeisance to this idea on the surface while undermining it in their geometry.

From Los Angeles Times