Main Entry: obei·sance

Pronunciation: \ō-ˈbē-s^ən(t)s, ə-, -ˈbā-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English obeisaunce obedience, obeisance, from Anglo-French obeisance, from obeissant, present participle of obeir to obey

Date: 14th century

1 : a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission : bow
2 : acknowledgment of another's superiority or importance : homage <makes obeisance to her mentors>

— obei·sant \-s^ənt\ adjective

— obei·sant·ly adverb