Kowtow
KOWTOW, or KOTOU, the Chinese ceremonial act of prostration as a sign of homage, submission, or worship. The word is formed from ko, knock, and iou, head. To the emperor, the " kowtow " is performed by kneeling three times, each act accompanied by touching the ground with the forehead.
Note - this article incorporates content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, (1910-1911)
