Obeisance

/əˈbeɪsəns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A gesture of respect or submission, such as a bow or curtsy.

She made a deep obeisance before the monarch, showing her respect and loyalty.

Deferential respect or homage.

The villagers paid obeisance to the local deity during the festival.

An attitude of deference or respect.

His obeisance to tradition was evident in every decision he made.

Middle English: from Old French 'obeissance', from 'obeir' (to obey).

pay obeisance

to show respect or allegiance to someone

make obeisance

to perform a gesture of respect or submission

obeisance to authority

showing respect for the established authority

obedience

the act of complying with an order, request, or law

deference

humble submission and respect

submission

the action of yielding to a superior force

kissing up

He’s always kissing up to the boss; it's just plain obeisance.

sucking up

Her constant flattery is really just obeisance.