definition of
kowtow

[1] #1 kowtow n. [kotow] a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission. wn

[2] #2 kowtow v. [scrape, genuflect] bend the knees and bow in a servile manner. wn

[3] #3 kowtow v. [fawn, toady, truckle, bootlick, kotow, suck up] try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always kowtowing to his boss". wn