A mode of showing respect. Abraham "bowed himself to the people of the land" (Genesis 23:7); so Jacob to Esau (Genesis 33:3); and the brethren of Joseph before him as the governor of the land (Genesis 43:28). Bowing is also frequently mentioned as an act of adoration to idols (Joshua 23:7; 2 Kings 5:18; Judges 2:19; Isaiah 44:15), and to God (Joshua 5:14; Psalm 22:29; 72:9; Micah 6:6; Psalm 95:6; Ephesians 3:14).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bow.

2. (n.) The act or art of managing the bow in playing on stringed instruments.

3. (n.) In hatmaking, the act or process of separating and distributing the fur or hair by means of a bow, to prepare it for felting.