genuflexions
Bowing on one knee
Genuflexions is the plural of genuflexion, the act of bending one knee to the ground as a gesture of reverence or worship.
The practice is common in Catholic and Anglican churches when approaching the altar or passing the tabernacle: The priest's genuflexions were slow and deliberate.
Figuratively, genuflexions can describe any act of excessive deference: corporate genuflexions to shareholders.
Also spelled genuflections.
Gesture of reverence
- homageExpression of deep respect
- deferenceYielding to another's judgment
- venerationProfound admiring respect
- adorationProfound loving regard
prostration · bowing · devotion · awe · solemnity · respect · tribute · honor
Lowering onto bent legs
- altarSacred ritual table
- prayerAddress to deity
- pietySincere religious devotion
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
liturgy · mass · chapel · cathedral · clergy · vestments · incense · psalms
Bending under pressure
- surrenderCease resistance, yield
- subservienceExcessive willingness to obey
- fealtyPledged devotion to authority
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
obedience · subjection · subordination · capitulation · acquiescence · deference · docility · servility
obeisance
Gesture of reverence
- homageExpression of deep respect
- deferenceYielding to another's judgment
- venerationProfound admiring respect
adoration · prostration · bowing · devotion · awe · solemnity · respect · tribute · honor · acknowledgment
kneeling
Lowering onto bent legs
sanctuary · liturgy · mass · chapel · cathedral · clergy · vestments · incense · psalms · hymns
yielding
Bending under pressure
- surrenderCease resistance, yield
- subservienceExcessive willingness to obey
- fealtyPledged devotion to authority
allegiance · obedience · subjection · subordination · capitulation · acquiescence · deference · docility · servility · supplication
genuflexionsstanding ovations
Rising audience acclaim
rising · standing · uprightness · standing tall · standing at attention
genuflexionsdefiance
Open resistance to authority
insubordination · rebellion · disrespect · irreverence · contempt