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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[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

. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings.

[China]

[Also spelled

kotow

S. W. Williams.

Verb.

[

imp. & p. p.

Kowtowed

;

p. pr. & vb. n.

Kowtowing

To perform the kowtow. Same as

I have salaamed and

kowtowed

to him.

H. James.