obeisance

[oh-bey-suh ns, oh-bee-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR obeisance ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

Origin of obeisance

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

Related formso·bei·sant, adjectiveo·bei·sant·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for obeisance

salaam, fealty, praise, homage, loyalty, allegiance, kowtow, reverence, genuflection, deference, respect, bow, curtsy, honor

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 Detroit
Amanda Minnie Douglas
Jacintha came in with the tonic in a glass, and retired with an obeisance.
White Lies
Charles Reade
To the Governor-General, however, the Sultan must do obeisance.
From Jungle to Java
Arthur Keyser
Taking the offered money, she made an obeisance, and withdrew.
Madeline Payne, the Detective's Daughter
Lawrence L. Lynch
The sisters sang their hymn, made their obeisance, and departed.
Gryll Grange
Thomas Love Peacock

British Dictionary definitions for obeisance

obeisance

noun

an attitude of deference or homage

a gesture expressing obeisance

Derived Formsobeisant, adjectiveobeisantly, adverb

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

Word Origin and History for obeisance

late 14c., "act or fact of obeying," from Old French obeissance "obedience, service, feudal duty" (13c.), from obeissant, present participle of obeir "obey," from Latin oboedire (see obey). Sense in English altered late 14c. to "bending or prostration of the body as a gesture of submission or respect" by confusion with abaisance. Related: Obeisant.