kowtow Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
    kotow.
  2. verb bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
    genuflect; scrape.
  3. verb try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
    fawn; kotow; bootlick; toady; suck up; truckle.
    • He is always kowtowing to his boss

WordNet


Kow*tow" noun & intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. The same as Kotow.
    I have salaamed and kowtowed to him. H. James.

Webster 1913