Kowtow \Kow*tow"\, n. [Chinese, knock head.] The prostration made by mandarins and others to their superiors, either as homage or worship, by knocking the forehead on the ground; same as {Kotow}. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings. [China] [Also spelled {kowtow}.] --S. W. Williams.
Kowtow \Kow*tow"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Kowtowed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Kowtowing}.] To perform the kowtow. Same as {Kotow}
I have salaamed and kowtowed to him. --H. James.
Kowtow \Kow*tow"\, n. [Chinese, knock head.] The prostration made by mandarins and others to their superiors, either as homage or worship, by knocking the forehead on the ground; same as {Kotow}. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings. [China] [Also spelled {kowtow}.] --S. W. Williams.
Kotow \Ko*tow"\, n. [Chinese, knock head.] The prostration made by mandarins and others to their superiors, either as homage or worship, by knocking the forehead on the ground; a kowtow. There are degrees in the rite, the highest being expressed by three knockings. [China] [Also spelled {kowtow}.] --S. W. Williams.
Kotow \Ko*tow"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Kotowed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Kotowing}.] To perform the kotow. Now usually spelled {kowtow}. [Also spelled {kowtow}.]
I think there's some politics involved, crass politics. When you hear name calling, when you hear people saying "kowtow," that is not the kindest word to say "we have an honest policy difference with this president."