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{%type%} Definitions

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n. - A former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission v. - Try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; Bend the knees and bow in a servile manner.

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Usage examples (37)
  • They were already prepared to release those two idiots as soon as they could get even a symbolic kowtow from the imperialists.
  • Somehow, the word kowtow just fits.
  • I would like to compliment #2 for a most cromulent use of the word 'kowtow'
  • Only now, in the rush of 'modern progress,' is the doffing of the hat taking the place of the 'kowtow'
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We give special thanks to our LearnThat volunteers, as well as Princeton University and Wiktionary for their Open Source word data. We're also grateful for the support given by Google, Wordnik.com, Dictionary.com, Stands4.com and YouTube, OEDILF.com, Kylescholz.com, Best-Practice.com, Forvo.com, as well as the generous Creative Commons community.