Found 2 items, similar to kowtow.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: kowtow kowtow n : a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission [syn: kotow] v 1: bend the knees and bow in a servile manner [syn: scrape, genuflect] 2: try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; “He is always kowtowing to his boss” [syn: fawn, toady, truckle, bootlick, kotow, suck up]
English → English (gcide) Definition: kowtow Kowtow \Kow*tow"\, n. [Chinese, knock head.] The prostration made by mandarins and others to their superiors, either as homage or worship, by knocking the forehead on the ground; same as Kotow. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings. [China] [Also spelled kowtow.] --S. W. Williams. [1913 Webster] Kotow \Ko*tow"\, n. [Chinese, knock head.] The prostration made by mandarins and others to their superiors, either as homage or worship, by knocking the forehead on the ground; a kowtow. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings. [China] [Also spelled kowtow.] --S. W. Williams. [1913 Webster] Kotow \Ko*tow"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Kotowed; p. pr. & vb. n. Kotowing.] To perform the kotow. Now usually spelled kowtow. [Also spelled kowtow.] [1913 Webster]