I. (ˌ)kau̇-ˈtau̇, ˈkau̇-ˌ noun
Etymology: Chinese (Beijing) kòutóu, from kòu to knock + tóu head
Date: 1804
: an act of kowtowing
II. intransitive verb
Date: 1826
1. : to show obsequious deference : fawn
kowtow s to the boss
2. : to kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in token of homage, worship, or deep respect