Word of the Day for Wednesday October 13, 2004
obeisance \oh-BEE-suhn(t)s; oh-BAY-suhn(t)s\, noun:
1. An expression of deference or respect, such as a bow or
curtsy.
2. Deference, homage.
They made obeisance right to the floor, coiling like bright
snakes from the arms of their astonished handlers.
--Ann Wroe, [1]Pontius Pilate
His presence was betrayed to Miloš, who ordered his
execution and then sent his rival's head to the Sultan to
demonstrate his obeisance.
--Misha Glenny, [2]The Balkans
In all, it had served to create a highly restrictive
society where the arrogance of superiors was as ingrained
as their subordinates' fawning obeisance.
--Robert Whiting, [3]Tokyo Underworld
_________________________________________________________
Obeisance comes from Old French obeissance, from obeissant,
present participle of obeir, "to obey," from Latin oboedire,
"to listen to," from ob-, "to" + audire, "to hear." The
adjective form is obeisant.
www.dictionary.com
obeisance \oh-BEE-suhn(t)s; oh-BAY-suhn(t)s\, noun:
1. An expression of deference or respect, such as a bow or
curtsy.
2. Deference, homage.
They made obeisance right to the floor, coiling like bright
snakes from the arms of their astonished handlers.
--Ann Wroe, [1]Pontius Pilate
His presence was betrayed to Miloš, who ordered his
execution and then sent his rival's head to the Sultan to
demonstrate his obeisance.
--Misha Glenny, [2]The Balkans
In all, it had served to create a highly restrictive
society where the arrogance of superiors was as ingrained
as their subordinates' fawning obeisance.
--Robert Whiting, [3]Tokyo Underworld
_________________________________________________________
Obeisance comes from Old French obeissance, from obeissant,
present participle of obeir, "to obey," from Latin oboedire,
"to listen to," from ob-, "to" + audire, "to hear." The
adjective form is obeisant.
www.dictionary.com
