/
kaʊˈtaʊ/
v.
-
(often kowtow to)
be excessively subservient towards someone.
- historical kneel and touch the ground with the forehead in submission as part of Chinese custom.
n.
historical an act of kowtowing.
Derivative
Etymology
C19: from Chin. kētóu, from kē ‘knock’ + tóu ‘head’.
