obeisance
[oh-bey-suh ns, oh-bee-]
- 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.
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Origin of obeisance
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for obeisant
courtly, deferential, dutiful, regarding, respectful, respecting, reverent, servile, standing, reverentialExamples from the Web for obeisant
Historical Examples of obeisant
She imports patterns, and they become the mode; her caterer invents dishes, and they are copied throughout the obeisant world.
obeisance
- an attitude of deference or homage
- a gesture expressing obeisance
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Word Origin for obeisance
C14: from Old French obéissant, present participle of obéir to obey
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for obeisant
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper