English▸ noun [mass noun] deferential respect:
they paid obeisance to the Prince.
▪ [count noun] a gesture expressing deferential respect, such as a bow or curtsy:
she made a deep obeisance.
– ORIGIN late Middle English (in the sense ‘obedience’): from Old French obeissance, from obeissant ‘obeying’, present participle of obeir.