| n. | 1. | 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. |
| v. i. | 1. | To perform the kotow. Now usually spelled kowtow. |
| Noun | 1. | kotow - a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission Synonyms: kowtow |
| Verb | 1. | kotow - try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always kowtowing to his boss" |