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obeisance Definition

obei·sance (ō bāsəns, -bē-)

noun

  1. a gesture of respect or reverence, such as a bow or curtsy
  2. the attitude shown by this; homage; deference

Etymology: ME obeisaunce < OFr obeissance < obeissant, prp. of obeir, obey

Related Forms:

obeisance Synonyms

obeisance

n.

obeisance Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • do: The Greek term used for worship is proskuneo which means either to do obeisance or to worship.
  • make: I think their way leads to idolatry, for they are making obeisance to a book an object.
  • pay: First, the Queen's mother was a saint, and her funeral allowed a willing nation to pay obeisance to that fact.
  • give: He said in this case they are giving obeisance to a fetish of long standing.
  • perform: After Mao performed obeisance and kowtows, he was considered adopted by the rock.
  • bring: In another dream he saw the sun and the moon and eleven stars all bowing down and bringing obeisance to Joseph.

Noun used with modifier

  • ritual: I suggest that there are some errors in this ritual obeisance to received wisdom.

Browse dictionary entries near obeisance

  1. obediently
  2. obedient
  3. obedience
  4. obeah
  5. OBE
  6. obdurately
  7. obdurate
  8. obduracy
  9. obcordate
  10. obconical
  1. obeisant
  2. obeli
  3. obelisk
  4. obelize
  5. obelized
  6. obelizing
  7. obelus
  8. Oberammergau
  9. Oberhausen
  10. Oberland