curtsy

/ˈkʌrtsi/

/ˈkʌtsi/

Other forms: curtsied; curtsies; curtsying

A curtsy is an old-fashioned half-bow that shows extreme respect. A woman or girl is generally expected to curtsy when meeting the Queen of England.

There aren't many opportunities these days to curtsy, stepping forward with one foot, slightly bending both knees, and lowering your head. You're much more likely to read a reference to a curtsy in an old book or observe an actor curtsy on a stage than to see people curtsy in real life. The word curtsy sounds a little bit like courtesy, and that's exactly where it comes from.

Definitions of curtsy

1. noun

   bending the knees; a gesture of respect made by women
   synonyms: curtsey

   type of:

   reverence

   an act showing respect (especially a bow or curtsy)

   gesture, motion

   the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
2. verb

   make a curtsy; usually done only by girls and women; as a sign of respect
   “She curtsied when she shook the Queen's hand”

   synonyms: bob

   type of:

   greet, recognise, recognize

   express greetings upon meeting someone
3. verb

   bend the knees in a gesture of respectful greeting
   synonyms: curtsey

   type of:

   bow

   bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting