Kotow

Ko`tow´

n.	1.	The prostration made by mandarins and others to their superiors, either as homage or worship, by knocking the forehead on the ground; a kowtow. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings.
v. i.	1.	To perform the kotow. Now usually spelled kowtow. [imp. & p. p. Kotowed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Kotowing.]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	kotow - a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission kowtow bowing, obeisance, bow - bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
Verb	1.	kotow - try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always kowtowing to his boss" bootlick, toady, truckle, fawn, kowtow, suck up blandish, flatter - praise somewhat dishonestly court favor, court favour, curry favor, curry favour - seek favor by fawning or flattery; "This employee is currying favor with his superordinates"