obeisance etymology

Etymology

• Medieval Latin: ōbēdientia "obedience"
• Latin: ōbediō "obey"
• Old French: obeissance
• Middle English: obeisaunce

Meaning

• A gesture or act of respect or submission
• The act of obeying or complying

Origin

The word "obeisance" ultimately derives from the Latin verb "obēdiō," meaning "obey." This verb is composed of the prefix "ob-," meaning "towards" or "in the direction of," and the verb "audiō," meaning "hear." The prefix "ob-" suggests that the act of obeying involves listening to or following the instructions or wishes of another person.

The use of the word "obeisance" in English can be traced back to the 14th century. It was originally used to refer to the act of paying respect or homage to a superior, such as a king or lord. Over time, the meaning of the word has broadened to include any gesture or act of respect or submission.

Examples

• The guests bowed in obeisance to the queen.
• The child showed obedience to his parents.
• The soldier saluted the flag as a sign of obeisance.

obeisance relate terms

• abase

  Etymology The word abase comes from the Old French word abasser which in turn comes

• base

  Etymology Greek basis a foundation a base Meaning A fundamental or supporting

• obey

  Etymology Old French obéir Latin obedire Ob meaning towards audire meaning t

• obedience

  Etymology The word obedience comes from the Latin word obsequium which means a lis

• scrape

  Etymology From Middle English scrapen altered from Old English screpan from Proto Ger

• scrape

  Etymology From Middle English scrapen altered from Old English screpan from Proto Ger

• motion

  Etymology The word motion comes from the Latin word motus which means movement or

• reverence

  Etymology Middle English reverens from Old French reverence from Latin reverentia b

• submission

  Etymology The word submission comes from the Old French word submissiun which is de

• salaam

  Etymology From Arabic salām سلام meaning peace Meaning A greeting of

• gesture

  Etymology The word gesture comes from the Latin word gestus meaning movement of th

• genuflection

  Etymology The word genuflection comes from the Latin words genu meaning knee and