kowtow

• Substantivo que designa o antigo costume chinês de ajoelhar-se e tocar o chão com a testa em sinal de respeito ou submissão; por extensão, qualquer ato de deferência servil ou bajulação excessiva.

A noun referring to a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission.

1. Traditional Chinese gesture of respectC1formal

   A historical Chinese custom of kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground as a sign of deep respect, submission, or worship, especially before an emperor or authority figure.

   Prostração chinesa

   • The ambassador performed the kowtow before the emperor.
   • In ancient China, the kowtow was a required ritual at the imperial court.
   • Foreign envoys were often expected to perform the kowtow as a sign of deference.

   Sinônimoskotow