Some "K" Words: "Kowtow"

       The kudos continue(s) for my line-up of “k” words as I  kowtow to the word “kowtow”:  “the action or practice, formerly customary in China, of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of extreme respect, submission, or worship," the OED says, "figuratively an act of obsequious respect.”  The AHD tells us  Kou in Chinese Mandarin means “knock” or “strike,” and tou means “head.”  If your forehead strikes the pavement, you have definitely “kowtowed” to someone. 

       And don’t try doing it arms akimbo; you might not make it back up.