genuflect

Main Entry: gen·u·flect

Pronunciation: 'jen-y&-"flekt

Function: intransitive verb

Etymology: Late Latin genuflectere, from Latin genu knee + flectere to bend -- more at KNEE

1 a : to bend the knee b : to touch the knee to the floor or ground especially in worship

2 : to be servilely obedient or respectful

- gen·u·flec·tion /"jen-y&-'flek-sh&n/ noun

"When they see Mr Maharaj they make gestures of respect, they genuflect, they bow."
Salmon Rushdie, The Firebird's Nest