obeisance
Americannoun
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a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy, as before a superior; a bow, curtsy, or other similar gesture.
-
deference or homage.
The nobles gave obeisance to the new king.
noun
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an attitude of deference or homage
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a gesture expressing obeisance
Other Word Forms
- obeisant adjective
- obeisantly adverb
Etymology
Origin of obeisance
1325–75; Middle English obeisaunce < Middle French obeissance, derivative of Old French obeissant, present participle of obeir to obey; -ance
Explanation
An obeisance is an act, usually physical, showing dutiful obedience. A supplicant might perform obeisance, touching his face to the ground, before humbly asking for help. Obeisance is often used in historical or religious contexts and often refers to bowing or kneeling. Figuratively, it means an act of respect though sometimes with the negative connotation of slavishly doing as expected. Your boyfriend might bring you and your mother flowers in obeisance to the idea that the parents should be courted as much as the child. Consumers who want this software must show obeisance to the Internet — it can't be bought in a store or anywhere else.
Vocabulary lists containing obeisance
"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
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"The Raven"
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1984
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His “gruff” father had little time for such infantilizing obeisance and would resist as best he could.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025
But the demands for obeisance from everyone around him, foreign and domestic, aren't new.
From Salon • Mar. 14, 2025
Absent that, her critics have increasingly ascribed her behavior to a slurry of narcissism, opportunism and obeisance to corporate interests.
From New York Times • Oct. 15, 2021
Johnson and McConnell both paid obeisance to the notion that “we should not default on our debt under any circumstances,” as Johnson’s pledge states.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2021
That Big God howled like a hot wind, and demanded obeisance.
From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
