Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Kowtow \Kow*tow"\, n. & v. i.
   The same as {Kotow}.

         I have salaamed and kowtowed to him.     --H. James.

Source : WordNet®

kowtow
     n : a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the
         forehead as a sign of respect or submission [syn: {kotow}]
     v 1: bend the knees and bow in a servile manner [syn: {scrape}, {genuflect}]
     2: try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always
        kowtowing to his boss" [syn: {fawn}, {toady}, {truckle}, {bootlick},
         {kotow}, {suck up}]