English

Verb

genuflect ‎(third-person singular simple present genuflects, present participle genuflecting, simple past and past participle genuflected)

1. (intransitive) To bend the knee, as in servitude or worship
   • 1913, Adrian Fortescue, Catholic Encyclopedia, "Gospel in the Liturgy"

     At high Mass the deacon and subdeacon stand on either side, genuflect too, and answer.

   • 1965, Tom Lehrer, The Vatican Rag

     First you get down on your knees, fiddle with your rosaries, / Bow your head with great respect and genuflect, genuflect, genuflect.

2. (intransitive) To behave in a servile manner; to grovel.

Related terms

• genuflection
• genuflector

Translations