A former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission.

synonym: kotow.

Roget 308: lowering etc. v.; depression; dip etc. (concavity) 252; abasement; detrusion^†; reduction.    overthrow, overset^†, overturn; upset; prostration, subversion, precipitation.    bow; courtesy, curtsy; genuflexion^†, genuflection, kowtow, obeisance, salaam.    ... show more

Roget 725: submission, yielding; nonresistance; obedience etc. 743.    surrender, cession, capitulation, resignation; backdown^†.    obeisance, homage, kneeling, genuflexion^†, courtesy, curtsy, kowtow, prostration.    ... show more

Roget 894: courtesy; respect etc. 928; good manners, good behavior, good breeding; manners; politeness etc. adj.; bienseance, urbanity, comity, gentility, breeding, polish, presence; civility, civilization; amenity, suavity; good temper, good humor; amiability, easy temper, complacency, soft tongue, mansuetude; condescension etc. (humility) 879; affability, complaisance, pr_evenance, amability^†, gallantry; pink of politeness, pink of courtesy.    compliment; fair words, soft words, sweet words; honeyed phrases, ceremonial salutation, reception, presentation, introduction, accueil^†, greeting, recognition; welcome, abord^†, respects, devoir, regards, remembrances; kind regards, kind remembrances; love, best love, duty; empty encomium, flattering remark, hollow commendation; salaams.    obeisance etc. (reverence) 928; bow, courtesy, curtsy, scrape, salaam, kotow^†, kowtow, bowing and scraping; kneeling; genuflection etc. (worship) 990; obsequiousness etc. 886; capping, shaking hands, etc. v.; grip of the hand, embrace, hug, squeeze, accolade, loving cup, vin d'honneur [Fr.], pledge; love token etc. (endearment) 902; kiss, buss, salute.    mark of recognition, nod; nods and becks and wreathed smiles" [Milton]; valediction etc. 293; condolence etc. 915.    ... show more

Roget 928: respect, regard, consideration; courtesy etc. 894; attention, deference, reverence, honor, esteem, estimation, veneration, admiration; approbation etc. 931.    homage, fealty, obeisance, genuflection, kneeling prostration; obsequiousness etc. 886; salaam, kowtow, bow, presenting arms, salute.    respects, regards, duty, devoirs, egards.    devotion etc. (piety) 987.    ... show more

Bend the knees and bow in a servile manner.

synonyms: genuflect, scrape.

Roget 725: succumb, submit, yeild, bend, resign, defer to.    lay down one's arms, deliver up one's arms; lower colors, haul down colors, strike one's flag, strike colors.    surrender, surrender at discretion; cede, capitulate, come to terms, retreat, beat a retreat; draw in one's horns etc. (humility) 879; give way, give round, give in, give up; cave in; suffer judgment by default; bend, bend to one's yoke, bend before the storm; reel back; bend down, knuckle down, knuckle to, knuckle under; knock under.    eat dirt, eat the leek, eat humble pie; bite the dust, lick the dust; be at one's feet, fall at one's feet; craven; crouch before, throw oneself at the feet of; swallow the leek, swallow the pill; kiss the rod; turn the other cheek; avaler les couleuvres [Fr.], gulp down.    obey etc. 743; kneel to, bow to, pay homage to, cringe to, truckle to; bend the neck, bend the knee; kneel, fall on one's knees, bow submission, courtesy, curtsy, kowtow.    pocket the affront; make the best of, make a virtue of necessity; grin and abide, grin and bear it, shrug the shoulders, resign oneself; submit with a good grace etc. (bear with) 826.    ... show more

Dutch: buigen, zich, knielen, een voetval maken, kruipen voor

Try to gain favor by cringing or flattering:
— He is always kowtowing to his boss.

synonyms: bootlick, fawn, kotow, suck up, toady, truckle.

Dutch: lijmen