Main Entry: ¹bow

Pronunciation: \ˈbau̇\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English būgan; akin to Old High German biogan to bend, Sanskrit bhujati he bends

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb 1 : to cease from competition or resistance : submit, yield <refusing to bow to the inevitable — John O'Hara>; also : to suffer defeat <bowed to the champion>
2 : to bend the head, body, or knee in reverence, submission, or shame
3 : to incline the head or body in salutation or assent or to acknowledge applause
4 : debut <the play will bow next month>transitive verb 1 : to cause to incline
2 : to incline (as the head) especially in respect or submission
3 : to crush with a heavy burden
4 a : to express by bowing b : to usher in or out with a bow