'Kotow' definitions:

Definition of 'kotow'

noun

A former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission [syn: kowtow, kotow]

verb

Try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always kowtowing to his boss" [syn: fawn, toady, truckle, bootlick, kowtow, kotow, suck up]

From: GCIDE

Kotow \Ko*tow"\, n. [Chinese, knock head.] Same as kowtow, the more common spellings. [China] [Also spelled kowtow.] --S. W. Williams. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Kotow \Ko*tow"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Kotowed; p. pr. & vb. n. Kotowing.]
1. To perform the kotow. Now usually spelled kowtow. [Also spelled kowtow.] [1913 Webster]
2. To defer to another in a servile or humiliating manner; to act obsequiously. [PJC]

From: GCIDE

Kowtow \Kow*tow"\, n. [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 Kotow. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings. [China] [Also spelled kotow.] --S. W. Williams. [1913 Webster]