obeisance

UK: /əʊˈbeɪsəns/

US: /oʊˈbeɪsəns, oʊˈbi-/

US: (ō bā′səns, ō bē′-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

o•bei•sance /oʊˈbeɪsəns, oʊˈbi-/   n. 

1. [countable] a movement of the body, as a bow, expressing respect or submissiveness.
2. [uncountable] deference;
   homage.

o•bei•sant, adj. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

o•bei•sance  (ō bā′səns, ō bē′-), n. 

1. a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy, as before a superior;
   a bow, curtsy, or other similar gesture.
2. deference or homage:
   The nobles gave obeisance to the new king.

• Middle French obeissance, derivative of Old French obeissant, present participle of obeir to obey; see -ance
• Middle English obeisaunce 1325–75

o•bei′sant, adj. 
o•bei′sant•ly, adv. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

obeisance / əʊˈbeɪsəns əʊˈbiː-/ noun

1. an attitude of deference or homage
2. a gesture expressing obeisance

Etymology: 14th Century: from Old French obéissant, present participle of obéir to obey

oˈbeisant adjective