九きゅう拝はい

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

bowing repeatedly; kowtowing

Refers to the act of bowing many times, often in a formal or ceremonial context. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to bow repeatedly'. The compound 三拝九拝 is more common.

See also: 三拝九拝

• 昔むかしの儀ぎ式しきでは、九きゅう拝はいすることが求もとめられた。

  In old ceremonies, bowing nine times was required.

noun

yours respectfully; respectfully yours

Used as a closing phrase in formal letters, similar to 'Yours respectfully' or 'Respectfully yours'. This usage is archaic and not seen in modern correspondence.

• 手て紙がみの末まつ尾びに「九きゅう拝はい」と記しるすのは、古ふるい書しょ簡かんの作さ法ほうだ。

  Writing '九拝' at the end of a letter is an old epistolary convention.