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kowtow definition

kow·tow (ko̵u′to̵u′)

noun

the act of kneeling and touching the ground with the forehead to show great deference, submissive respect, homage, etc., as formerly in China

Etymology: Chin k'o-t'ou, lit., bump head

intransitive verb

  1. to perform a kowtow
  2. to show servile respect (to)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Kowtow535 years ago

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