genuflections
Bending the knee
Genuflections are acts of bending the knee to the ground, typically as a gesture of reverence or worship.
The practice is common in Catholic churches, where worshippers genuflect toward the altar.
Figuratively, genuflections are gestures of excessive deference or submission: His genuflections to the board chairman were embarrassing to watch.
Lowering onto bent legs
veneration · adoration · mass · liturgy · sacrament · benediction · invocation · chapel
Gesture of reverence
- deferenceYielding to another's judgment
- homageExpression of deep respect
- fealtyPledged devotion to authority
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
subjection · subordination · bowing · kowtow · curtsy · salaam · prostration · supplication
Formal event marking occasions
- riteCeremonial act or practice
- processionFormal moving line
- vestmentsCeremonial religious attire
- incenseAnger greatly, or aromatic resin
censer · holy water · sign of the cross · blessing · ordination · consecration · pilgrimage · tradition
Gentle, unassertive disposition
- lowlinessState of modest rank
- self-abasementDeliberately diminishing oneself
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- penitenceRemorse for misdeeds
modesty · deference · supplication · unworthiness · repentance · confession · remorse · penance
kneeling
Lowering onto bent legs
devotion · veneration · adoration · mass · liturgy · sacrament · benediction · invocation · chapel · sanctuary
obeisance
Gesture of reverence
- deferenceYielding to another's judgment
- homageExpression of deep respect
- fealtyPledged devotion to authority
allegiance · subjection · subordination · bowing · kowtow · curtsy · salaam · prostration · supplication · surrender
ceremony
Formal event marking occasions
- riteCeremonial act or practice
- processionFormal moving line
- vestmentsCeremonial religious attire
incense · censer · holy water · sign of the cross · blessing · ordination · consecration · pilgrimage · tradition · chanting
meekness
Gentle, unassertive disposition
- lowlinessState of modest rank
- self-abasementDeliberately diminishing oneself
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
penitence · modesty · deference · supplication · unworthiness · repentance · confession · remorse · penance · sackcloth
- Orthodox Liturgytypikon, lectionary, psalter, gospel book, hours
genuflectionsstanding upright
standing · standing tall · upright posture · standing at attention · rising
genuflectionsdefiance
Open resistance to authority
irreverence · insolence · disrespect · blasphemy · contempt