kowtow Meaning and Definition
1. n. a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
2. v. try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
3. v. bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
Kowtow, which is borrowed from kau tau in Cantonese (koutou in Mandarin Chinese), is the act of deep respect shown by prostration, that is, kneeling and bowing so low as to have one's head touching the ground.
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