obeisance
UK[əʊˈbeɪsəns]US[oʊˈbeɪsəns]
n
A gesture expressing respect, such as a bow or curtsy.
n
Deferential respect or homage.
Morpheme Breakdown
obeis
ance
obeis
obey
ance
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'obeisance' entered English in the late medieval period from the Old French obeissance, meaning 'obedience'. Its core component derives from the Latin verb oboedire, a compound of ob- ('towards') and audire ('to hear'), thus literally meaning 'to listen towards' or 'to heed'. Over time, the abstract concept of obedience materialized into the specific, physical act of bowing—a visible sign of listening and submitting to authority. Consequently, the modern term 'obeisance' shifted its primary emphasis from the general state of obedience to the formal, respectful gesture that demonstrates it.
Analysis
Structure: obeis (obey) + ance (noun suffix)
- obeis: From Old French obeissant (present participle of obeir 'to obey'), itself from Latin oboedire ('to listen to, obey'). In this word, it carries the core sense of 'to obey'.
- ance: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin (-antia) via French, indicating an action, state, or quality.
Examples
The courtiers made a deep obeisance as the king entered the hall.
He paid obeisance to the traditions of his predecessors.
The treaty was signed as an act of obeisance to the greater military power.