n. [ Chinese, knock head. ] Same as kowtow, the more common spellings. [ China ] [ Also spelled kowtow. ] S. W. Williams. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Kotowed p. pr. & vb. n. Kotowing. ] 1. To perform the kotow. Now usually spelled kowtow. [ Also spelled kowtow. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
2. To defer to another in a servile or humiliating manner; to act obsequiously. [ PJC ]