obeisance
[oh-bey-suh ns, oh-bee-]
noun
a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy, as before a superior; a bow, curtsy, or other similar gesture.
deference or homage: The nobles gave obeisance to the new king.
RELATED WORDS
salaam, fealty, praise, homage, loyalty, allegiance, kowtow, reverence, genuflection, deference, respect, bow, curtsy, honor
Origin of obeisance
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for obeisance
Historical Examples of obeisance
Pani rose and made an obeisance, and brought forward a chair.
A Little Girl in Old DetroitAmanda Minnie Douglas
Jacintha came in with the tonic in a glass, and retired with an obeisance.
White LiesCharles Reade
To the Governor-General, however, the Sultan must do obeisance.
From Jungle to JavaArthur Keyser
Taking the offered money, she made an obeisance, and withdrew.
Madeline Payne, the Detective's DaughterLawrence L. Lynch
The sisters sang their hymn, made their obeisance, and departed.
Gryll GrangeThomas Love Peacock
obeisance
noun
Word Origin for obeisance
C14: from Old French obéissant, present participle of obéir to obey
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
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper