kowtow

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
verb bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
verb try to gain favor by cringing or flattering

From either Cantonese 叩頭 /叩头 (kau³ tau⁴) or Mandarin 叩頭 /叩头 (kòutóu). Literally, “knock head”.

I am too proud to kowtow to the berobed and bodiced idol. — The Goose Man, Jakob Wassermann
Kowtowing to them Portuguese because a few folks that's sorry for them have made them presents. — The best short stories of 1919, and the yearbook of the American short story, Unknown
I've often seen the irises kowtowing to him, and his attitude toward them is distinctly personal and lover-like. — The best short stories of 1920, and the yearbook of the American short story, Unknown

kotow

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