— kowtower , n.
/kow"tow", -tow', koh"-/ , v.i.
1. to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference.
2. to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc., esp. in former Chinese custom.
n.
3. the act of kowtowing.
Also, kotow .
[ 1795-1805; kòutóu lit., knock (one's) head ]