obeisance

[ oh-bey-suh ns, oh-bee- ]
/ oʊˈbeɪ səns, oʊˈbi- /

noun

a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy, as before a superior; a bow, curtsy, or other similar gesture.
deference or homage: The nobles gave obeisance to the new king.

Origin of obeisance

1325–75; Middle English obeisaunce < Middle French obeissance, derivative of Old French obeissant, present participle of obeir to obey; see -ance

OTHER WORDS FROM obeisance

o·bei·sant, adjective o·bei·sant·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for obeisant

British Dictionary definitions for obeisant

obeisance
/ (əʊˈbeɪsəns, əʊˈbiː-) /

noun

an attitude of deference or homage
a gesture expressing obeisance

Derived forms of obeisance

obeisant, adjective obeisantly, adverb

Word Origin for obeisance

C14: from Old French obéissant, present participle of obéir to obey