First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
obeisance
noun obei·sance \ō-ˈbē-sən(t)s, ə-, -ˈbā-\
: a movement of your body (such as bowing) that shows respect for someone or something
: respect for someone or something
Full Definition of OBEISANCE
1
: a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission : bow
2
: acknowledgment of another's superiority or importance : homage <makes obeisance to her mentors>
— obei·sant \-sənt\ adjective
— obei·sant·ly adverb
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Origin of OBEISANCE
Middle English obeisaunce obedience, obeisance, from Anglo-French obeisance, from obeissant, present participle of obeir to obey
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