Kotow
Last Updated: January 2, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Scrabble:12 ptsWWF:12 pts5 letters
Definition of Kotow
noun
- A knocking of the forehead on the ground while kneeling, as an act of homage, reverence, worship, respect, etc.
- To knock the forehead on the ground while kneeling, as an act of reverence, worship, apology, etc.; perform the kotow; hence, to fawn or be obsequious; cringe.
- The prostration made by mandarins and others to their superiors, either as homage or worship, by knocking the forehead on the ground; a kowtow. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings.
- Alternative spelling of kowtow.