叩こう首しゅ

noun

kowtow

Formal term for the deep bow where the forehead touches the ground, historically used in East Asian court rituals. In modern contexts, it may appear in historical or ceremonial descriptions. Compare with 叩頭 (こうとう), which is more common.

See also: 叩頭

• 使し節せつは皇こう帝ていの前まえで叩こう首しゅの礼れいを行おこなった。

  The envoy performed the kowtow before the emperor.