Kotow v. i. (past & past part. kotowed; pres. part. kotowing)
1.
To perform the kotow. Now usually spelled kowtow. (Also spelled kowtow)
2.
To defer to another in a servile or humiliating manner; to act obsequiously.
noun
Kotow n. (Also spelled kowtow) Same as kowtow, the more common spellings. (China)
Kowtow n. (Also spelled kotow) 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)
... with a hint of laughter in his heavy voice and laying a not ungentle hand on her blazing cheeks. "D' ye think I care if you want to kneel and kotow like other idiots? If you're that kind—and I suppose you are, being a ... — The Madigans • Miriam Michelson
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