curtsy

Or curt·sey

[kurt-see]

noun

plural

curtsies 

1. a respectful bow made by women and girls, consisting of bending the knees and lowering the body.

verb (used without object)

curtsied, curtsying 

1. to make a curtsy.

curtsy

/ ˈkɜːtsɪ /

noun

1. a formal gesture of greeting and respect made by women in which the knees are bent, the head slightly bowed, and the skirt held outwards

verb

1. (intr) to make a curtsy

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtsy¹

First recorded in 1520–30; variant of courtesy

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtsy¹

C16: variant of _courtesy

Example Sentences

Her most famous role was to present the trophies at Wimbledon, where - it was reported - she was instrumental in ending the tradition of players bowing and curtsying when passing the royal box.

From BBC

At least imperial courtiers trust in strict codes about curtsies and proper titles.

From Los Angeles Times

"I curtsied. Why did I? I don't know... but we got on like a house on fire."

From BBC

All you can do is curtsy and move on to the next category.

From Los Angeles Times

His wife Sarah Williams, purchasing manager, said she spent much of Sunday practising her curtsy and making sure she knew how to address the King properly.

From BBC