to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference.

to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc., esp. in former Chinese custom.

the act of kowtowing.

verb

bow , brownnose * , cave in * , court , cower , cringe , fawn , flatter , fold , genuflect , give in , go along with , kneel , knuckle under , lie down and roll over , pander , prostrate , say uncle , stoop , toe the mark , bootlick , grovel , slaver , toady , truckle , brownnose

noun

curtsy , genuflection , nod , obeisance