obeisance
[ oh-bey-suhns, 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.
Origin of obeisance
1Other words from obeisance
- o·bei·sant, adjective
- o·bei·sant·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use obeisance in a sentence
The Dervish bowed most obeisantly and retired black in the face with rage and despair.
The Women of the Arabs | Henry Harris Jessup
British Dictionary definitions for obeisance
obeisance
/ (əʊˈbeɪsəns, əʊˈbiː-) /
noun
an attitude of deference or homage
a gesture expressing obeisance
Origin of obeisance
1C14: from Old French obéissant, present participle of obéir to obey
Derived forms of obeisance
- obeisant, adjective
- obeisantly, adverb
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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