kotow

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

kotow
    n 1: a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the
         forehead as a sign of respect or submission [syn: {kowtow},
         {kotow}]
    v 1: try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always
         kowtowing to his boss" [syn: {fawn}, {toady}, {truckle},
         {bootlick}, {kowtow}, {kotow}, {suck up}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Kotow \Ko*tow"\, n. [Chinese, knock head.]
   Same as {kowtow}, the more common spellings. [China] [Also
   spelled {kowtow}.] --S. W. Williams.
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Kotow \Ko*tow"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Kotowed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Kotowing}.]
   1. To perform the kotow. Now usually spelled {kowtow}. [Also
      spelled {kowtow}.]
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To defer to another in a servile or humiliating manner; to
      act obsequiously.
      [PJC]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Kowtow \Kow*tow"\, n. [Chinese, knock head.]
   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] [Also spelled {kotow}.] --S. W. Williams.
   [1913 Webster]

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