obeisance

noun

obei·​sance ō-ˈbē-sᵊn(t)s 

ə-,

-ˈbā- 

1

: a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission : bow

After making his obeisances he approached the altar.

2

: acknowledgment of another's superiority or importance : homage

makes obeisance to her mentors

The players paid obeisance to their coach.

obeisant

ō-ˈbē-sᵊnt 

ə-

-ˈbā-

adjective

obeisantly adverb

Did you know?

When it first appeared in English in the 14th century, obeisance shared the same meaning as obedience. This makes sense given that obeisance can be traced back to the Anglo-French word obeir, a verb meaning “to obey” that is also an ancestor of English’s obey. The other senses of obeisance also date from the 14th century, but they have stood the test of time whereas the “obedience” sense is now obsolete... or is it? Recent evidence suggests that obeisance is starting to be used again as an (often disparaging) synonym of obedience; for example, a politician deemed too easily swayed by others may be said to have pledged obeisance to party leaders or malign influences.

Examples of obeisance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the West’s most glaring vulnerabilities to the influence of Russia—and China and Iran—is Hungary’s self-abnegating obeisance to those countries. —Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024

Former New York Times journalists Bari Weiss, Nellie Bowles and Adam Rubinstein have each described Times editors who demanded Hafez Assad-like obeisance to certain Political Truths Of The Left and who brooked little departure from them. —Jeff Robbins, Boston Herald, 14 Oct. 2024

But the former president’s obeisance to Cohn’s Rule No. 3 — claim victory, never admit defeat — dealt the project a setback. —Chris Lee, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024

Thus would a medieval liege lord have accepted obeisance from his vassals; all that was missing was the flicker of torchlight and the haunch of venison turning on its spit. —Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 25 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English obeissance, obeysaunce "obedience, submission, gesture indicating submission," borrowed from Anglo-French obeissaunce, from obeisant "willing to obey" (from present participle of obeir "to submit to the authority of, obey") + -aunce -ance — more at obey

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing obeisance

• pay obeisance

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Kids Definition

obeisance

noun

obei·​sance ō-ˈbēs-ᵊn(t)s  -ˈbās- 

: a movement of the body (as a bow) made as a sign of respect