noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
A deep, formal bow from a kneeling position where the forehead touches the ground, historically performed as a sign of deep respect or submission in East Asian cultures. Can be used as a noun or as a suru-verb.
中国の宮廷では、臣下が皇帝に叩頭した。
In the Chinese court, vassals kowtowed to the emperor.
He kowtowed on the ground to express his apology.