Kowtow (Noun)
Meaning
A former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The emperor demanded that his subjects kowtow before him as a sign of their loyalty and devotion.
- In ancient China, officials were required to kowtow to the emperor during formal ceremonies and meetings.
- The visiting dignitary was surprised to see the locals kowtow to the elderly village leader as a sign of respect.
- During the traditional wedding ceremony, the bride and groom were expected to kowtow to their parents as a sign of gratitude and respect.
- The last emperor of China was forced to kowtow to the warlord who had taken control of the city.