n.
Pronunciation: ' bau ̇
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English b ū gan; akin to Old High German biogan to bend, Sanskrit bhujati he bends
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1 : to cease from competition or resistance : SUBMIT , YIELD <refusing to bow to the inevitable ― John O'Hara> also : to suffer defeat < bow ed to the champion>
2 : to bend the head, body, or knee in reverence, submission, or shame
3 : to incline the head or body in salutation or assent or to acknowledge applause
4 : DEBUT <the play will bow next month>
transitive verb
1 : to cause to incline
2 : to incline (as the head) especially in respect or submission
3 : to crush with a heavy burden
4 a : to express by bowing b : to usher in or out with a bow