ōˈbās ə n(t)s, əˈ-, -bēs- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English obeisaunce, from Middle French obeissance, from obeissant (from Old French) + -ance
1. obsolete : obedience 1, 2
2.
a. : a movement of the body (as a bending or prostration) or other gesture made in token of respect or submission : bow , curtsy
after making his obeisances he approached the altar
b. : an attitude of respect : deference , homage
an author could hardly ask for more than this cultivated obeisance — Wolcott Gibbs
Synonyms: see honor