obeisance

 
Pronunciation: /ə(ʊ)ˈbeɪs(ə)ns/

noun

[mass noun]
  • deferential respect: they paid obeisance to the Prince
  • [count noun] a gesture expressing deferential respect, such as a bow or curtsy: she made a deep obeisance

Derivatives

obeisant

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'obedience'): from Old French obeissance, from obeissant 'obeying', present participle of obeir